FBI’s Most Wanted Crypto Scammer of $4 Bn Ponzi Scheme Finally Found In This Country

Pratik Bhuyan
January 29, 2023 Updated July 21, 2025
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onecoin Ruja Ignatova

Ruja Plamenova Ignatova, a Bulgarian-born German citizen, got convicted for her fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme known as OneCoin, which is touted as “one of the biggest scams in history”. After going missing for 5 years, it’s being reported that the 42-year-old fraudster has been finally located in the heart of London city.

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OneCoin CEO Ruja Found

In 2014, they initiated the process of presenting it to possible investors, offering a return of between 5 and 10 times the original investment and referring to their investors as “idiots” and “crazy.” And on October of 2017, the con artist disappeared entirely as law enforcement personnel closed in on her, and she wasn’t been seen since then. She is the only woman on the FBI’s most-wanted list at this time and has been added to their list of the top 10 most-wanted fugitives.

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However, it’s alleged that Ignatova surfaced early this month in order to stake a claim on one of her estates. After being listed for sale a few days ago with an initial asking price of $15.5 million, a penthouse apartment located in the London borough of Kensington, England, had its price reduced to $13.6 million. It is pretty apparent that Ignatova bought the property in the name of a corporation; nevertheless, due to a recently implemented rule, the complete name of the firm’s beneficiary must now also be provided.

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Ruja’s Growing Legal Troubles

As a consequence of this, the attorneys who represent Ignatova have filed a legal claim on the property. They have listed her as the “beneficial owner” of the condominium in a filing that they have made with the financial regulator in the UK. The property was formerly owned by a business known as Abbots House Penthouse Limited, which had its headquarters in Guernsey, which is notorious for being a tax haven and having very lax governmental monitoring. Because of this, Ignatova has, up to this point, been omitted from both public records and land registry deeds.

When it came to light that Ignatova was connected to the home, the prestigious real estate company Knight Frank pulled the listing for the house almost immediately after it was published. Ignatova has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, engage in money laundering and conspiracy to commit securities fraud. These charges were brought against her by the United States Department of Prosecutions. She is one of just 11 women on the FBI’s most wanted list, which was first published in 1950 and contains a total of 529 individuals who have been given a special mention.

The authorities have even gone as far as offering a $100,000 reward for any information that would result in her capture. Moreover, they have issued a warning, indicating that Ignatova can undergo plastic surgery in order to alter her look.

Also Read: Top 5 Cryptos With Highest Development Activity

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Pratik has been a crypto evangelist since 2016 & been through almost all that crypto has to offer. Be it the ICO boom, bear markets of 2018, Bitcoin halving to till now - he has seen it all.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.