Ruja Ignatova, known as the “Cryptoqueen,” has been missing since 2017 while international authorities continue to search for her. On August 7, the United Kingdom’s High Court of Justice issued a Worldwide Freezing Order against Ignatova and several of her alleged accomplices involved in the OneCoin scheme.
High Court’s Decision
The court’s decision to freeze assets came after more than 400 victims of the OneCoin collapse petitioned for the action. The order targets Ignatova, OneCoin co-founder Sebastian Greenwood, Christopher Hamilton, Robert MacDonald, and four influencers who promoted OneCoin. It also includes business entities allegedly used by Ignatova to launder funds and acquire assets.
The OneCoin Scheme
Ruja Ignatova is accused of orchestrating a $4 billion Ponzi scheme through OneCoin, from its inception in 2014 until its collapse in 2017. Ignatova disappeared in 2017, last seen in Athens, Greece. Her disappearance has led to the FBI placing her on their Ten Most Wanted list. In January 2024, the U.S. State Department offered a $5 million reward for information leading to her capture and conviction, though her whereabouts remain unknown.
Legal Actions Against Accomplices
- Konstantin Ignatov: Ruja’s brother, pleaded guilty to money laundering and fraud in 2019. He faced up to 90 years in prison but was released after three years, having cooperated with U.S. investigators and testified against OneCoin lawyer Mark Scott.
- Mark Scott: Found guilty in 2019 of bank fraud and money laundering, Scott received a significantly lighter sentence than the 17 years sought by prosecutors.
- Karl Greenwood: OneCoin co-founder, was found guilty in 2023 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was also ordered to forfeit $300 million received from the scheme.
Despite the efforts of investigative authorities worldwide, Ruja Ignatova’s location remains a mystery. The recent asset freeze order represents a significant step in seeking justice for the victims of the OneCoin fraud and holding those involved accountable.
