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Ruja Ignatova, also known as the “Missing Cryptoqueen”, has been placed on the FBI’s 10 most wanted list.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Bulgarian-born Ignatova, who is believed to be in her 40s, is wanted for her alleged role in running a cryptocurrency scam known as OneCoin. Federal investigators accuse the fugitive of using the scheme to defraud victims of more than $4bn (\u00a33.2bn).<\/p>\n
She has been missing since 2017, when US officials signed an arrest warrant and investigators began closing in on her.<\/p>\n
In 2014, OneCoin, a self-described cryptocurrency, began offering buyers commission if they sold the coin to more people.<\/p>\n
But FBI agents say OneCoin was worthless and was never protected by the blockchain technology used by other cryptocurrencies.<\/p>\n
According to allegations made by federal prosecutors, it was essentially a Ponzi scheme disguised as a cryptocurrency.<\/p>\n
“She laid out her scheme perfectly, taking advantage of the frenzied speculation of the early days of cryptocurrency,” said Damian Williams, Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor.<\/p>\n
The FBI adds fugitives to its most wanted list when it believes the general public may be able to help track them down.<\/p>\n
A bureau notice published Thursday offered a $100,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of Ms. Ignatova, who was indicted in 2019 on eight counts, including wire fraud and securities fraud.<\/p>\n
She is the only woman on the FBI’s 10 most wanted list.<\/p>\n
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