“‘Not enough for a $4B heist’: Mixed opinions erupt as FBI sets $5M reward for information on fugitive Ruja Ignatova”
The U.S. Department of State has announced a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Ruja Ignatova, who faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and securities fraud.
Ignatova, dubbed the “Crypto Queen,” is accused of playing a central role in one of the largest global fraud schemes in history. As co-founder of OneCoin Ltd, she and her associates allegedly defrauded investors worldwide beginning in 2014.
OneCoin was marketed as a groundbreaking digital currency, but prosecutors say Ignatova used false claims and misleading information to lure investors. By 2017, the scheme had reportedly amassed more than $4 billion in losses for victims.
Ignatova was indicted in the Southern District of New York on October 12, 2017. Just weeks later, on October 25, she fled from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Athens, Greece, to evade arrest—and has remained a fugitive ever since. A superseding indictment in February 2018 added charges of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and securities fraud. In 2022, she was placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.
The FBI is urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted via Telegram: @RujaReward, Signal: @RujaReward.01, online at tips.fbi.gov, at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate (outside the U.S.), or at any local FBI office.
All information provided will be kept strictly confidential. Government officials and employees are not eligible for rewards.
