What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Ruja Ignatova over allegations that it has been suppressing critical reviews and unfavorable Google search results by fraudulently misusing DMCA takedown notices. These actions, if proven, could constitute serious legal violations—including impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
We conducted comprehensive analyses of fraudulent copyright takedown requests, meritless legal complaints, and other unlawful efforts to suppress public access to critical information. Our reporting sheds light on the prevalence and modus operandi of a structured censorship network, often funded and used by criminal enterprises, oligarchs and criminal entities seeking to manipulate public perception and bypass AML checks conducted by financial organisations.
The fake DMCA notices in this investigation appears to have been strategically deployed to remove negative content from Google search results illegally. Based on this pattern, we have reasonable grounds to infer that Ruja Ignatova - or an entity acting at its behest - is directly or indirectly complicit in this cyber crime.
In most such cases, such ops are executed by rogue, fly-by-night 'Online Reputation Management' agencies acting on behalf of their clients. If evidence establishes that the subject knowingly benefited from or facilitated this scam, it may be deemed an 'accomplice' or an 'accessory' to the crime.
What are they trying to censor
Ruja Ignatova, the self-proclaimed “Cryptoqueen” and founder of OneCoin, has been at the center of one of the largest cryptocurrency scams in history, with allegations of fraud, money laundering, and orchestrated deception spanning multiple continents. Here are the major allegations, red flags, and adverse news against her and OneCoin:
1. Ponzi Scheme Allegations: OneCoin was marketed as a revolutionary cryptocurrency, but investigations revealed it was a classic Ponzi scheme. Unlike legitimate cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, OneCoin had no blockchain technology, no real value, and no utility. Investors were lured with promises of massive returns, but payouts came from new investors’ funds, not from any legitimate business activity.
2. Global Fraud and Investor Losses: OneCoin defrauded millions of investors worldwide, with estimated losses exceeding $4 billion. Victims were often targeted through aggressive multi-level marketing (MLM) tactics, particularly in developing countries, where financial literacy was lower. Many lost their life savings.
3. False Promises and Misrepresentation: Ignatova and her team falsely claimed that OneCoin was a legitimate cryptocurrency, backed by a blockchain and mining operations. In reality, the “coins” were generated arbitrarily, and the blockchain was nonexistent. Experts and regulators repeatedly warned that OneCoin was a scam.
4. Regulatory Crackdowns and Legal Actions: Multiple countries, including the UK, Germany, India, and the US, issued warnings or took legal action against OneCoin. In 2019, Ignatova was indicted by the US Department of Justice on charges of wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering. She remains a fugitive, with a $250,000 reward for information leading to her arrest.
5. Money Laundering and Criminal Ties: Investigations revealed that OneCoin was used to launder money for organized crime groups. Ignatova’s brother, Konstantin Ignatov, who later cooperated with authorities, testified that OneCoin was a fraud and that Ignatova had fled to avoid prosecution.
6. Disappearance of Ruja Ignatova: In 2017, Ignatova vanished after boarding a flight to Athens. Her disappearance has fueled speculation about her involvement in criminal activities and her efforts to evade justice. Some believe she may have been murdered, while others think she is in hiding, possibly under a new identity.
7. Adverse Media Coverage: Investigative journalists and media outlets, including the BBC, have extensively covered OneCoin’s fraudulent activities, further damaging its reputation. The BBC’s “The Missing Cryptoqueen” podcast exposed the scale of the scam and the human cost of Ignatova’s deception.
Why These Stories Harm OneCoin’s Reputation:
These allegations and adverse news stories paint a damning picture of OneCoin as a fraudulent enterprise built on lies, greed, and exploitation. They undermine any remaining credibility Ignatova and OneCoin might have had, exposing the scheme as a criminal operation that caused immense harm to vulnerable individuals.
Why OneCoin Would Want Them Removed:
Ignatova and her associates would have a vested interest in suppressing this information to protect their reputations, evade legal consequences, and potentially continue defrauding victims. Removing negative stories could help them maintain a facade of legitimacy, silence whistleblowers, and obstruct ongoing investigations. In extreme cases, they might resort to cybercrime, such as hacking or disinformation campaigns, to erase or discredit damaging evidence. This would not only protect their ill-gotten gains but also allow them to continue operating in the shadows, free from accountability.
The story of Ruja Ignatova and OneCoin is a cautionary tale of how unchecked greed and deception can exploit the vulnerable, and how the digital age has given rise to new forms of financial crime.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/37295773
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/47200542
- Nov 10, 2023
- December 15, 2024
- Galiano Lubber
- Lorocast Media Inc.
- http://gambianewstime.kesug.com/2021/05/05/onecoin-ponzi-scheme-accused-of-terrorist-financing/?i=1
- https://reptitle.com/ponzis-pyramids-and-schemes/
- https://www.blockvalue.com/news/20210517909381.html
- http://directsellingnews.com/2023/12/18/ponzis-pyramids-schemes
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
lemonde.fr
'Cryptoqueen' Ruja Ignatova, mastermind of the OneCoin scam, was still investing in Dubai while under indictment
- Red Flag
About the Author
The author is affiliated with TU Dresden and analyzes public databases such as Lumen Database and
Maltego to identify and expose online censorship. In his personal capacity, he and his
team have been actively investigating and reporting on organized crime related
to fraudulent copyright takedown schemes.
Additionally, his team provides
advisory services to major law firms and is frequently consulted on matters
pertaining to intellectual property law.
Escalate This Case
Learn All About Fake Copyright Takedown Scam
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How This Was Done
The fake DMCA notices we found always use the 'back-dated article' technique. With this technique, the wrongful notice sender (or copier) creates a copy of a 'true original' article and back-dates it, creating a 'fake original' article (a copy of the true original) that, at first glance, appears to have been published before the true original
What Happens Next?
Based on the feedback, information, and requests received from all relevant parties, our team will formally notify the affected party of the alleged infringement. Following a thorough review, we will submit a counter-notice to reinstate any link that has been removed by Google, in accordance with applicable legal provisions. Additionally, we will communicate with Google’s Legal Team to ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
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User Reviews
Average Ratings
2
Based on 4 ratings
by: Emily Rose
i remember my uncle got into this mess. lost 20k, never got it back. ruja's face should be on "most wanted" posters in every city.
by: Dave Wilson
OneCoin was a straight up scam and she knew it. So many families lost everything, while she livin large. Evil.
by: Abigail Hunt
The continued absence of Ignatova, despite international indictments and investigations, highlights the challenges of prosecuting transnational financial crimes and the importance of international law enforcement cooperation.
by: Mason Drake
OneCoin’s whole model was: make up a coin, lie about it being mined, get influencers to hype it up, and milk MLM suckers dry. Evil genius, honestly.
by: Sienna Wade
Her digital footprint is being wiped in real-time. If you see glowing OneCoin testimonials out there, it’s likely planted.
by: Leo French
The OneCoin scandal, spearheaded by Ruja Ignatova, underscores the critical need for regulatory oversight and investor education in the crypto space. The sheer scale of the fraud and its global impact mark it as one of the most egregious financial...
by: Olivia White
Ruja Ignatova scammed millions with OneCoin, yet she’s still on the run! How long before justice catches up with her
by: James Harris
$4 billion stolen, countless lives ruined, and Ruja Ignatova is still hiding. OneCoin is one of the biggest financial frauds
by: Liam Carter
OneCoin is one of the biggest crypto scams in history, and Ruja Ignatova masterminded the whole thing. She convinced millions to invest in a fake cryptocurrency with no blockchain, then disappeared with billions. Regulators exposed the fraud, but she fled...
by: Mason Taylor
From Ponzi scheme to money laundering for criminals, OneCoin was pure fraud
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