Greek law enforcement agents have begun a search for Ruja Ignatova, popularly called “Crypto Queen.” According to local news reports, investigators received information that she is still in the country. Ignatova was last spotted boarding a flight to Athens from the Bulgarian capital of Sofia.
Ignatova is one of the co-founders of the crypto pyramid scheme, Onecoin. The scheme defrauded people of nearly $4 billion back in 2017, and Ignatova has been missing since October 25th, 2017.
Ignatova was born to Roma parents in Bulgaria. However, her parents moved to Germany when she was 10, and she subsequently became a German citizen because of the move.
In 2005, Ignatova graduated from the University of Oxford. She later obtained a Ph.D. in Private International Law from the University of Constance.
Is the notorious Crypto Queen in Greece?
Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported that Greek law enforcement agencies received information about Ignatova being the country from domestic and international sources. According to the report, Ignatova was holding meetings with specific individuals nationwide.
The Hellenic Police (EL.AS.) launched a mission to detain her less than a month ago. Moreover, Ignatova was listed on the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) Most Wanted list in late June, around the same period as the EL.AS and, and launched its operation for her capture. The FBI had stated that she might be traveling on a fraudulent passport. Moreover, they said that she might have visited places with known connections. These include the United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria, Germany, Russia, Greece, and Eastern Europe.
The FBI also announced a $100,000 reward for any individual who would provide information leading to the Crypto Queen’s arrest. Ignatova is currently the only woman on the FBI’s most wanted list.
The investigation for the apprehension of the “Crypto Queen” is still ongoing. Police sources told Kathimerini that a dozen nations are collaborating to find her location.