The US State Department has raised the reward for information leading to the capture of Ruja Ignatova, known as the "Cryptoqueen," to $5 million. When she was added to the FBI's list of the 10 most-wanted fugitives in June 2022, the reward was set at $100,000.

Ignatova is the mastermind behind OneCoin, one of the most notorious reported cryptocurrency scams. Despite being on Europe's and the FBI's most wanted lists, she has managed to evade arrest since 2017.

All About the 'Cryptoqueen'

Ruja Ignatova is accused of orchestrating a large-scale fraud that began in 2014, deceiving investors worldwide as she amassed billions of dollars. She founded OneCoin, a Bulgaria-based company that allegedly promoted a fraudulent cryptocurrency.

According to the FBI, Ignatova made false claims to attract investments and directed victims to transfer their funds to OneCoin accounts to buy investment packages.

OneCoin is believed to have defrauded investors of over $4 billion. Ignatova was at the helm of OneCoin until October 2017, when she fled from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Athens, Greece. 

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Where is Ruja Ignatova?

The FBI has said Ruja Ignatova's whereabouts have been unknown since, and speculation has been she might be traveling on a German passport through various countries, including the UAE, Bulgaria, Germany, Russia, Greece, and Eastern Europe.

In October 2017, the "Cryptoqueen" was charged in the Southern District of New York with multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and securities fraud. 

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