Now she finds herself on the famous “Ten Most Wanted” list of the US Federal Police.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has added alleged crypto fraudster Ruja Ignatova to its Ten Most Wanted list. “Ignatova is wanted for allegedly running a massive fraud scheme that affected millions of investors worldwide,” a statement from the FBI said .
In it, the agency also promises a reward of up to $100,000 (about 95,000 euros) for tips leading to Ignatova’s arrest. The FBI also warns that the 42-year-old – nicknamed the “crypto-queen” – could be traveling with armed guards. In addition, she may have undergone surgery or otherwise altered her appearance.
Ignatova was born in Bulgaria and has German citizenship: she went to school in the Black Forest town of Schramberg and earned a doctorate in law in Konstanz on Lake Constance. She is accused of causing investors around the world to invest in the effectively worthless currency OneCoin. According to U.S. court documents, she is said to have captured at least $3.4 billion through the crypto scam, possibly even more than $4 billion.
The 42-year-old has been in hiding since October 2017. She disappeared after traveling from the Bulgarian capital Sofia to the Greek capital Athens. A global manhunt is underway for Ignatova .
The FBI now says it hopes Ignatova’s placement on the “Ten Most Wanted” list will bring new attention to the case. “There are so many victims around the world who have perished financially,” said Ronald Shimko of the FBI New York. Justice is wanted, he said.
