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Cryptoqueen: The Onecoin Scam

2014 saw the creation of a new cryptocurrency: OneCoin. At mass events resembling religious gatherings, its charismatic founder, Ruja Ignatova, claimed it was on course to become the world’s biggest digital currency and would change the world. In fact, it was a giant ponzi scheme. There was no blockchain, no pay-out system, nothing but the promise of fantastic rates of return. Ruja and her cronies invented a new, favourable exchange rate every day. And it worked: OneCoin was soon hyped as the cryptocurrency for the poor, a currency that would turn paupers into princes. 

In truth, it only turned Ruja Ignatova into the “Cryptoqueen”. She threw lavish champagne parties in Frankfurt, Sofia and New York. She bought two dozen luxury properties around the world. Then, she went AWOL. At present, nobody knows where she is. But, despite that, many investors continue to believe in OneCoin. How did Ruja Ignatova manage to dupe authorities and clients alike? Who knew what and when? How does OneCoin manage to still operate? And who are the shady people behind the Cryptoqueen? 

In this series (also available as a standalone film), we gained exclusive access to close friends and colleagues of Ignatova – the people who knew her best  – who tell the unbelievable story from the inside.

Episode One: The Most Wanted Woman in the World

Episode Two: The Big Scam

Episode Three: Gone AWOL

Episode Four: Where is Ruja?

PRODUCTION INFO

  • Year: 2022
  • Duration: 4 x 25 mins
  • Production: A&O Buero
  • Director: Johan von Mirbach
  • Available Versions: ENG, GER
  • Country of production: Germany

FESTIVALS & AWARDS

  • Cologne Film festival 2022 (Germany) - Global Cinema Film Festival Boston 2023 (USA), Atlantida Film Festival 2023 (Spain), Fraude Film Festival 2023 (Netherlands).

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Cryptoqueen: Episode Three: Gone AWOL

In this mini-series, also available as a film, we tell the unbelievable story of the OneCoin digital currency ponzi scheme from the inside.

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Cryptoqueen: Episode Two: The Big Scam

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Cryptoqueen: Episode One – The Most Wanted Woman in the World

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