The US is offering a staggering R90 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Ruja Ignatova, the so-called “Cryptoqueen” accused of masterminding one of the largest cryptocurrency scams in history and believed to be in Cape Town.
Ignatova, a Bulgarian-born German citizen, is accused of defrauding global investors out of more than R72 billion through her company, OneCoin. She vanished in October 2017, just weeks after being indicted in the US on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy.
US Offers R90 Million Reward for Fugitive ‘Cryptoqueen’ Believed to Be Hiding in Cape Town
Despite numerous theories about her fate, including claims she was murdered at sea, German investigators have revealed new clues suggesting Ignatova might be alive and hiding in South Africa. Authorities confirmed they are actively pursuing leads pointing to Cape Town, including reports she may have undergone plastic surgery to alter her appearance.
The FBI, which listed Ignatova among its top ten most-wanted fugitives in 2022, has warned she likely travels with armed guards and may have deep connections within organized crime networks.
In May 2023, suspicions of Ignatova’s ties to South Africa deepened following the murder of Bulgarian fugitive Krasimir Kamenov and three others in an upmarket home in Constantia, Cape Town. The brutal killings, involving gunshot wounds, reignited speculation about criminal links between Bulgaria and South Africa.
Kamenov, who was wanted in Bulgaria for murder and extortion, had reportedly provided information about Ignatova before his death. However, South African police confirmed Ignatova was not among the victims in the Constantia shooting.
Investigators are urging anyone with knowledge of Ignatova’s whereabouts to come forward.
ALSO READ: Khanyi Mbau Flaunts New Bae, A Wanted Fugitive In Zimbabwe
The Mindblowing Scam
The OneCoin scheme, founded in 2014, operated as a multi-level marketing scam that promised investors substantial returns on fake cryptocurrency. By 2017, the scam had allegedly siphoned billions from victims worldwide. Ignatova’s brother, Konstantin Ignatov, was arrested in the US in 2019 and later convicted for his role in the scheme.
Cape Town has come under scrutiny following the 2018 visit of Konstantin, who reportedly maintained contact with his sister long after her supposed death. Local authorities are collaborating with international counterparts, but no arrests have been made concerning Ignatova’s alleged presence in South Africa.