BBC Investigative Journalist Yordan Tsalov Unveils New Details of the OneCoin Scam’s Infamous Figure’s Whereabouts
Ruja Ignatova, the notorious mastermind behind the multi-billion-dollar OneCoin cryptocurrency scam, is reportedly still alive and hiding under the protection of international criminal networks.
The startling revelation comes from BBC investigative journalist Yordan Tsalov, who has been tracking Ignatova’s elusive movements since she disappeared in 2017.
According to Tsalov, Ignatova’s continued survival is not just a matter of her personal escape, but also tied to vast sums of laundered money, which are only accessible through her involvement.
This discovery has sent shockwaves through the investigation into the OneCoin scandal, which defrauded investors of billions.
Ignatova, who had gained notoriety for orchestrating one of the largest financial scams in history, has been on the FBI’s Most Wanted List for years.
A reward of $5 million has been offered for any information leading to her capture. Despite her alleged death rumors, Tsalov’s claims indicate that Ignatova’s story is far from over.
A Criminal Network Still Operating
In an exclusive interview, Tsalov claims that Ignatova’s criminal network remains operational. He suggests that her associates are actively working on a new scam, building on the OneCoin foundation.
Ignatova’s influence appears to persist even after her disappearance, with reports indicating that people close to her are continuing to exploit financial systems for illicit gain.
Tsalov emphasizes that Ignatova’s role in laundering vast sums of money for international criminal cartels is central to her continued importance.
A critical aspect of this money laundering operation is the frozen assets that can only be accessed with Ignatova’s signature.
These funds, which are thought to be linked to her OneCoin operation, have been a key point of focus for law enforcement agencies.
The journalist suggests that her capture remains vital to accessing these assets and dismantling the network she is believed to have helped build.
In August 2024, a new revelation surfaced when Ignatova’s lawyer was able to unblock $50 million tied to her funds in Dubai courts, allegedly using her supposed authorization.
This act has raised suspicions that Ignatova is not only alive but remains involved in significant financial operations. Dubai, known for its complex financial systems, has long been a hub for global money laundering activities.
The unfreezing of the assets points to a high level of organization and suggests that Ignatova still holds substantial power within the financial world.
Hiding in Plain Sight?
Tsalov’s investigation points to several potential locations where Ignatova may be hiding, with South Africa and Russia emerging as key possibilities.
He suggests that the OneCoin architect could be in one of these countries, both of which have histories of harboring fugitives involved in organized crime.
South Africa, in particular, has come under scrutiny after a local publication in Cape Town cited a protected witness who claimed to have seen Ignatova in the area.
The witness testimony was given added weight by the murder of one of Ignatova’s associates, Krasimir Kamenov-Karo, in South Africa in 2023.
Kamenov-Karo’s death was believed to be linked to a wider criminal conspiracy involving money laundering and illicit financial activities.
Tsalov believes that this connection hints at Ignatova’s ongoing criminal enterprise and supports the theory that she is hiding in Cape Town or another South African city.
However, the precise whereabouts of Ignatova remain unclear. Despite extensive investigations by the FBI and other international law enforcement agencies, she has managed to evade capture for over seven years.
Her extensive criminal network, which allegedly extends into Russia and other parts of the world, has made it difficult for authorities to track her movements.
The Case of Frank Schneider
One of the most puzzling elements of Ignatova’s disappearance is the case of Frank Schneider, a former advisor and spy who had worked closely with her during the OneCoin scheme.
Schneider, who was reportedly on the brink of being extradited from France to the United States, vanished just before his trial could begin.
Schneider’s disappearance has fueled theories that he may have been silenced to prevent him from revealing more details about Ignatova’s connections to organized crime.
Tsalov highlights that Schneider had shared critical information with law enforcement agencies regarding Ignatova’s involvement in illicit financial dealings.
His disappearance before facing extradition has raised more questions about the reach and power of Ignatova’s criminal network, which appears to be capable of protecting her for an extended period.
The case of Schneider is especially concerning because it suggests that the OneCoin operation was not just a financial scam but a complex criminal network with deep ties to organized crime groups across the globe.
These ties would explain why Ignatova is still able to remain hidden despite the massive efforts to capture her.
A New Scam Targeting Victims of OneCoin
While Ignatova remains at large, the legacy of OneCoin continues to haunt its victims. Scammers, exploiting the continuing interest in the failed cryptocurrency, have launched a new scam that preys on individuals who lost money in the original OneCoin scheme.
According to reports, scammers with access to the OneCoin database have begun reaching out to victims, offering to help them recover their lost funds for an upfront fee of 100 euros.
This fraudulent operation has swindled hundreds of thousands of victims, with millions of euros being stolen in the process.
The new scam has added insult to injury for those who were already defrauded by Ignatova’s original scheme.
Victims who lost large sums in the OneCoin scam are now being tricked into paying more money in hopes of recovering what they lost.
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are urging victims not to engage with these scammers, as they are likely part of the same criminal network that once supported Ignatova’s operations.
The OneCoin Legacy
The OneCoin scam is widely regarded as one of the most significant financial frauds of the 21st century. Ignatova’s disappearance after embezzling over $4 billion has left a trail of financial devastation, with many investors still struggling to recover their losses.
Despite the massive scale of the scam, authorities have struggled to apprehend Ignatova, whose ability to remain hidden is a testament to the reach and influence of her criminal network.
As the search for Ruja Ignatova continues, the mystery surrounding her survival and involvement in illicit financial operations remains unresolved.
While some speculate that she may never be caught, others, like Tsalov, continue to push for answers. For now, the FBI’s most wanted list remains unchanged, and the hunt for the elusive queenpin of OneCoin goes on.
In the meantime, the victims of the OneCoin scam, both old and new, continue to suffer the consequences of Ignatova’s crimes, and the full scope of her criminal empire may only be revealed once she is finally brought to justice.