UK issues a global asset freeze for missing cryptoqueen Ruja Ignatova

A London High Court decided on a global asset freeze order for Dr. Ruja Ignatova, the cryptoqueen, who has been missing for over six years. Ignatova was the founder of OneCoin, one of the biggest crypto-related scams of all time, earning her and associates over $4 billion.

The freeze order came after a group of OneCoin investors sought compensation for their losses from the OneCoin scam. The law firm, Mishcon de Reya, represents the group’s action, and one of the investors, Jennifer McAdam, is leading the case.

The global asset freeze will prevent transactions related to the missing cryptoqueen’s assets. The freeze action will also affect businessmen Robert MacDonald and Christopher Hamilton. Two Guernsey companies associated with apartment purchases for Ignatova will also face the consequences. OneCoin promoters Kari Wahlroos, Muhammad Zafar, Moynul Islam, and Monirul Islam are also subject to the freeze.

Since 2017, Ignatova has been facing charges related to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and securities fraud. The global authorities still do not have any information about Ignatova’s whereabouts. 

Crypto enthusiasts have been speculating about whether Ruja Ignatova is still alive. Some believe that a Bulgarian mob allegedly murdered the cryptoqueen. 

The FBI increases the bounty on Ruja Ignatova

The FBI recently increased the bounty for information leading to the whereabouts or arrest of the missing cryptoqueen. Ruja Ignatova has been on the FBI and Europe’s most wanted list for several years. There still hasn’t been any meaningful information regarding her whereabouts. 

The FBI initially offered $100,000 for information related to Ignatova, but has now increased the amount to $5 million or 4 million Euros, organized by the Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program.

In a statement , the FBI revealed that Ruja might have a German passport, which would allowed her passage into the UAE and most of Europe. Ignatova’s last recorded travel was from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Athens, Greece, in 2017. The FBI also speculates that she may have allegedly undergone plastic surgery to evade authorities.

U.S. Court sentences OneCoin’s co-founder to 20 years in prison

OneCoin’s co-founder, Karl Sebastian Greenwood, pled guilty in December 2022 in the Manhattan federal court. Sebastian pled guilty to money laundering and wire fraud charges related to his involvement in the OneCoin scam.

The DOJ report highlighted that while Ignatova remained the top leader at OneCoin, Sebastian held the role of global master distributor. Sebastian also controlled the MLM network that handles OneCoin’s distribution. The DOJ approximated Sebastian’s monthly earnings at 20 million Euros.

In September 2023, the U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of New York, Damien Williams, announced that Sebastian would receive 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge, Edgardo Ramos, made the judgment on September 22, adding $300 million in forfeiture to the sentence.

In the DOJ’s report , William thanked the FBI, the IRS-Criminal Investigation, and Special Agents for aiding the investigation. He further mentioned the Royal Thai Police and Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General for their contribution.