Entrance
Ruja Ignatova was a Bulgarian-born entrepreneur, also known as the "Crypto Queen". He was the founder and pioneer of a fake cryptocurrency scheme called OneCoin. This scheme became one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history, defrauding investors of billions of dollars between 2014 and 2017. Ignatova has been missing since 2017 and is one of the FBI's most wanted people.
Early Life and Education
Ignatova was born in 1980 in Ruse, Bulgaria. He studied law and received his doctorate from the University of Konstanz. After graduation, he worked as a financial advisor in Frankfurt.
OneCoin Scam
In 2014, Ignatova founded a cryptocurrency called OneCoin. OneCoin, unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, did not use mining or blockchain technology. Instead, a multi-layered marketing scheme was used to raise money from investors. Ignatova made exaggerated claims that OneCoin would make investors a fortune and attracted investors by displaying a luxurious lifestyle.
Fraud Exposure and Disappearance
In 2016, suspicions that OneCoin was a scam began to grow. Several countries have banned OneCoin's operations, and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed lawsuits against Ignatova and OneCoin. In 2017, Ignatova disappeared during a business trip and no one has seen her since.
Heritage
Ruja Ignatova is known for carrying out one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history. The OneCoin scam caused thousands of investors to lose billions of dollars. Ignatova remains missing and the FBI is still actively searching for her.
Additional Information:
Ignatova was convicted in absentia in 2019 of fraud and money laundering.
The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward on Ignatova.
Two documentaries called "Crypto Queen" and "Lost Crypto Queen" were shot about the OneCoin scam.
Conclusion
Ruja Ignatova's story is a warning about the dangers of greed and fraud. It's important to always do your research before investing and look out for signs of fraud before risking your money.
