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The riddle of "Crypto Queens": Living legend or ghost of the past?
Ruja Ignatova, infamously known as the "Crypto Queen," has become one of the most talked-about figures in the world of cryptocurrencies. The founder of the OneCoin scheme, which defrauded investors of over 4 billion dollars, disappeared from the radar of law enforcement in 2017 after her last appearance in Greece.
South African trail
Despite numerous theories about Ignatova's fate, including suggestions of her death or hiding on a luxury yacht, a recent investigation points to a possible location of the "Crypto Queen" in Cape Town, South Africa. This version is supported by the fact that her brother Konstantin was in this city until his arrest in 2019.
The global search continues
The FBI has placed Ruja Ignatova on its list of the ten most wanted fugitives, offering a reward of up to 5 million dollars for information leading to her arrest. However, despite extensive efforts, her whereabouts remain a mystery.
Family Ties and Justice
Konstantin Ignatov, the brother of Ruja, was arrested in Los Angeles and pleaded guilty to several charges related to his role in OneCoin. After cooperating with the U.S. prosecutors, he was released in March of this year, expressing regret over his involvement in the scheme but not disclosing any information about his sister's possible whereabouts.
OneCoin: the anatomy of deception
OneCoin was positioned as a revolutionary crypto, comparable to Bitcoin, promising investors high returns. The project was known for its extravagant promotional events aimed at attracting new participants and expanding the network of investors.
As a result of this massive scam, more than 3.5 million people were affected, and the total damage exceeded 4 billion dollars. The story of OneCoin has attracted the attention of filmmakers: a movie titled "Fake!" is planned for release, featuring Oscar-winning Kate Winslet as one of the victims of the fraud.
Dark Alternative
There is a darker theory about the fate of Ignatova. According to some Bulgarian sources, the "Cryptoqueen" may have been eliminated in 2018 by order of the infamous drug lord Christofor Amanatidis, known as "Taki." This version suggests that Ignatova's body may have been dismembered and dumped in the Ionian Sea.
Amanatidis, who is believed to head a major criminal organization in Eastern Europe, may have had links to OneCoin, which served as a motive for eliminating Ignatova. However, this theory remains unconfirmed and is just one of many versions of the disappearance of the "Cryptoqueen."
The fate of Ruja Ignatova continues to be one of the most intriguing mysteries in the history of crypto crimes, attracting the attention of law enforcement and the public worldwide.