The FBI’s Most Wanted List comprises over 12,000 fugitives who have managed to evade law enforcement, some for decades. Among the suspects, ten have been added to the agency’s Top Ten Most Wanted list. The only woman on the list, Ruja Ignatova, is wanted on charges in New York but accused of committing crimes nationwide.
According to the FBI, Ignatova, a Bulgarian woman, is wanted for her alleged participation in a massive fraud scheme that reportedly began around 2014. Ignatova and others are alleged to have defrauded billions of dollars from investors worldwide, according to the FBI.
FBI officials stated that Ignatova was the founder of OneCoin Ltd., a Bulgaria-based company that marketed a purported cryptocurrency. To execute the scheme, Ignatova allegedly made false statements and representations to individuals to solicit investments in OneCoin. She purportedly instructed victims to transmit investment funds to OneCoin accounts to purchase OneCoin packages, resulting in wire transfers representing these investments. Throughout the scheme, OneCoin is believed to have defrauded victims of more than $4 billion, per the FBI.
FBI officials stated that Ignatova served as OneCoin’s top leader through October 2017. On October 25, 2017, Ignatova traveled from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Athens, Greece, and may have traveled elsewhere afterward. She may travel on a German passport to the United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria, Germany, Russia, Greece, and/or Eastern Europe.
According to the FBI, Ignatova was charged in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York, on October 12, 2017, and a federal warrant was issued for her arrest.
FBI officials also stated that on February 6, 2018, a superseding indictment was issued charging Ignatova with one count each of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; Wire Fraud; Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering; Conspiracy to Commit Securities Fraud; and Securities Fraud.
Ignatova is believed to travel with armed guards and/or associates and could have had plastic surgery or otherwise altered her appearance, according to FBI officials.
The suspect has many aliases, including Dr. Ruja Ignatova, Ruja Plamenova Ignatova, Ruja P. Ignatova, and “CryptoQueen.” FBI investigators describe her as a white female with dark brown to black hair and brown eyes. They also advised that she speaks English, German, and Bulgarian.
The FBI advised that a reward of up to $250,000 is available for information leading to the arrest of Ruja Ignatova.
If you have any information concerning this person, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.
