Ruja Ignatova, the elusive figure behind the $4.5 billion OneCoin cryptocurrency fraud, has been hit with a worldwide asset freeze by the United Kingdom’s High Court of Justice. Known as the “Cryptoqueen,” Ignatova has been missing since 2017, when she vanished after a flight to Athens.
The court’s ruling, announced on August 7, extends to Ignatova, several of her alleged collaborators, and multiple business entities linked to the scheme. The global freezing order, sought by over 400 victims of the OneCoin collapse, aims to prevent any further movement or sale of the assets tied to Ignatova and her associates. Among those affected by the freeze are OneCoin co-founder Sebastian Greenwood, currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in the US, and individuals like Christopher Hamilton and Robert MacDonald, accused of laundering funds.
The freeze also targets four influencers who promoted OneCoin and seven other people connected to the scam. Jennifer McAdam, a prominent victim who lost over £200,000, led the group action. Her campaign highlights the extensive financial ruin caused by the fraud and the ongoing search for Ignatova. Despite the reward of $5 million offered by US authorities for information leading to her capture, Ignatova’s whereabouts remain unknown, with reports linking her to Bulgarian criminal networks.
The asset freeze also encompasses several companies used by Ignatova to acquire luxury properties and facilitate the scheme. Promoters of OneCoin, including individuals who may have also lost money, are under scrutiny as well, with ongoing legal battles over their involvement. This development underscores the international effort to bring justice for the OneCoin victims and to hold accountable those responsible for the vast fraud.
