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Published 14:54 01 Apr 2026 GMT
Only woman on FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted list was last seen in 2017 but may still be alive
Ruja Ignatova, the notorious "Cryptoqueen," remains one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives for her role in a massive Ponzi scheme known as OneCoin. Despite vanishing in 2017, after a warrant for her arrest was issued by U.S. authorities, some believe she is still alive and on the run.
The case continues to capture global attention, with investigators sparking debate on whether Ignatova is still out there or if she met a grim end.
The OneCoin scam, which Ignatova co-founded, defrauded millions of investors, raking in at least $4 billion. Ignatova disappeared just before authorities closed in, and despite widespread reports of her being murdered, there is still no conclusive proof of her fate.
Ignatova's disappearance and global sightings
Ignatova was last seen boarding a flight from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Athens, Greece, in 2017.
Since then, there have been numerous alleged sightings of her in cities around the world, including London, Dubai, and the Virgin Islands. These unconfirmed reports have fueled speculation that she could be hiding in plain sight. However, authorities still lack concrete evidence to prove whether she's dead or alive.
The FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted list features Ignatova, with a $5 million reward for any information leading to her capture. Investigators believe her access to substantial funds has allowed her to evade capture and move freely between countries. One of the lead investigators on the case emphasized (via Metro), "We’ll get her, I’m convinced that we will find her. The question is always when."
The investigation and ongoing pursuit
A German police officer leading the investigation into Ignatova’s whereabouts shared insights on the case during an interview. The officer stated, “Neither Bulgarian police nor any other police force has been able to provide any evidence to prove this without doubt.” The investigation has been ongoing, with multiple law enforcement agencies working together to track her down.
There have also been unverified claims that she may have been killed in 2018, with her body allegedly disposed of in the Ionian Sea.
The search for Ignatova is not only about justice for victims but also about bringing closure to one of the largest financial frauds in recent history.