Sofia, Bulgaria—Dr. Jonathan Levy, a prominent lawyer, has come forward with what he claims is concrete evidence that Ruja Ignatova, the mastermind behind the infamous OneCoin cryptocurrency scheme, is alive and recently received a substantial payment.
Speaking to Bulgaria Today, Dr. Levy asserts that Ignatova, who has been evading law enforcement since 2017, is still active and may have received a payment of $50 million as recently as August 2024.
This revelation directly contradicts widespread rumors that Ignatova, infamously known as the “crypto queen,” was murdered in Greece. Dr. Levy claims to have documents substantiating his claim, adding a new twist to the saga of one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency frauds.
OneCoin, the now-collapsed cryptocurrency project, was once valued in the billions, with victims spanning across continents, from Europe to Asia and the Americas.
“Ruja Ignatova has managed to remain out of sight for years, but recent financial movements linked to her suggest she is not only alive but is also potentially still profiting,” Dr. Levy told Bulgaria Today.
He further disclosed that his findings also implicate three other individuals—a Swedish national and two Bulgarians—in connection to the OneCoin fraud. These individuals, he alleges, played key roles in supporting the criminal operations tied to the scheme.
Expanded Legal Actions for Victims
With this new evidence in hand, Dr. Levy is preparing to petition Bulgaria’s Ministry of Justice to broaden the scope of the current criminal case, which currently targets only Ignatova. His aim is to bring to justice those who may still be assisting Ignatova and secure restitution for OneCoin’s global victims.
“The victims of OneCoin are entitled to justice and compensation,” he stated, referencing the European Union Directive for Victims of Violent Organized Crime, which mandates that victims of serious crimes have a right to redress.
Dr. Levy’s petition will urge Bulgarian authorities to consider the role of additional accomplices, broadening the legal framework to pursue a more comprehensive prosecution.
International Efforts to Capture Ignatova
In June, the U.S. government, alongside Bulgaria’s chief prosecutor Borislav Sarafov and Plamen Tonchev, head of Bulgaria’s State Agency for National Security (SANS), held a press conference in Sofia.
During the event, they announced a $5 million reward for any information that could lead to Ignatova’s capture. The high-profile announcement underscored the significant resources and international cooperation directed toward ending Ignatova’s evasion.
The FBI has listed Ignatova on its Most Wanted list, describing her as a sophisticated operator who defrauded investors through promises of high returns. She vanished in 2017, allegedly boarding a flight from Bulgaria to Greece, after which her whereabouts became a mystery.
A New Chapter in the OneCoin Saga
Dr. Levy’s assertion that Ignatova is alive, coupled with a recent $50 million transaction, raises new questions about the extent of the OneCoin network’s reach and resilience.
Many investors and victims are now looking to Bulgaria’s Ministry of Justice to respond to Dr. Levy’s petition and to widen the investigation.
While the Bulgarian government has not yet commented on Dr. Levy’s statements, the possibility that Ignatova is still orchestrating financial maneuvers could lead to a renewed and intensified search.
For the victims of the OneCoin scam, Dr. Levy’s findings represent a glimmer of hope for accountability. “The scale of this fraud demands comprehensive action,” he said, urging authorities to look beyond Ignatova and pursue her alleged associates.
Whether Ignatova will ultimately be brought to justice remains to be seen, but the renewed investigation could be a crucial step forward.