The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a remission claims process for victims of the OneCoin cryptocurrency fraud, allowing eligible investors to seek compensation from seized assets.
More than $40 million in forfeited funds are currently available for distribution. This figure represents a fraction of the $4 billion the scheme collected from global investors between 201s4 and 2019, according to a DOJ statement released Monday.
Individuals who purchased OneCoin during the fraudulent period can file claims through a remission program administered by Kroll. The DOJ stated that all petition forms must be submitted by June 30.
Criminal prosecutions and fugitives
The funds originate from criminal forfeiture actions tied to federal prosecutions in the Southern District of New York. While several associates have faced legal consequences, OneCoin co-founder Ruja Ignatova remains at large.
Ignatova was added to the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list in June 2022. The U.S. State Department has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to her arrest.
Co-founder Karl Sebastian Greenwood pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering in December 2022. He received a 20-year prison sentence and a $300 million penalty.
Other associates have faced charges in various jurisdictions. In October 2022, a Munich-based lawyer faced German court charges for allegedly transferring 20 million euros on Ignatova's behalf to purchase London real estate.
OneCoin's former head of legal and compliance, Irina Dilkinska, was also sentenced to four years in prison following the investigation.
