The mysterious disappearance of Ruja Ignatova in October 2017 has left many questioning whether she escaped law enforcement or met a more sinister fate. Let’s delve into the latest developments surrounding the enigmatic “Cryptoqueen.”
What do the latest developments say?
In a shocking turn of events, BBC’s investigation has revealed Ruja’s deep connections to Hristoforos Nikos Amanatidis, also known as Taki, a reputed Bulgarian crime boss. Allegations suggest that Taki, initially tasked with protecting Ruja, may have betrayed her, possibly even orchestrating her demise.
Launched in 2014, OneCoin, Ruja’s brainchild, lured investors with promises of exorbitant returns akin to Bitcoin. However, unlike Bitcoin, OneCoin lacked blockchain technology, functioning instead as a pyramid marketing scheme. The scheme enriched those at the top while leaving others empty-handed. Authorities began closing in on Ruja around 2017, leading to her sudden disappearance.
How did she pull it off and who is Frank Schneider?
Ruja’s elaborate scam was made possible with the assistance of Frank Schneider, a former spy and head of Luxembourg’s intelligence agency. Schneider’s role in maintaining the OneCoin operation was pivotal, as he provided crucial support by liaising with legal and PR professionals. Despite facing allegations of leaking confidential police information to Ruja, Schneider has consistently denied these claims.
Schneider’s arrest by French authorities in April 2021 and subsequent disappearance in May 2023 have only added to the mystery surrounding Ruja’s saga. Speculation abounds about his whereabouts, suggesting he may have powerful allies aiding his evasion of capture.
What does the public sentiment say?
Public sentiment towards Ruja ranges from intrigue to disdain. While some believe she may have undergone extensive plastic surgery and assumed a new identity to evade capture, others express disgust at the devastation caused by her fraudulent activities, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Discussions on Reddit forums highlight the impact of Ruja’s scam on the perception of cryptocurrencies, with some labeling all crypto assets as fake. Despite the negative implications, there are also those who begrudgingly admire Ruja’s audacity in executing such a massive fraud.
As the search for truth in Ruja’s story continues, the world remains captivated by the question of whether justice will prevail or if she will forever remain a shadowy figure in the financial underworld.