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OneCoin Scam Co-Founder Admits Fraud

red onecoin store boarded up with karl sebastian greenwood in foreground
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Karl Sebastian Greenwood, the co-founder of the fraudulent cryptocurrency OneCoin scam, has pleaded guilty to charges brought by the United States Department of Justice (DoJ).

He faces a maximum of 60 years in prison if convicted of all charges. The DoJ said on 16 December that Greenwood had entered a guilty plea in a federal court in Manhattan to charges of money laundering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and wire fraud conspiracy. Each charge carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison.

With the OneCoin scam, Greenwood is alleged to have operated "one of the greatest worldwide fraud schemes ever committed", according to US Attorney Damian Williams.

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OneCoin Scam Promoted as a 'Bitcoin Killer'

Williams further asserts that Greenwood promoted the OneCoin sam as a "Bitcoin killer" despite the tokens being "totally worthless". Greenwood and "Cryptoqueen" Ruja Ignatova were the founders of OneCoin. It was a Bulgarian company that sold a cryptocurrency with the same name, and Greenwood was the CEO of the OneCoin scam.

According to emails that the DoJ collected between the two parties before the company's establishment in 2014, the individuals referred to it as a "trashy currency". Outwardly, it appeared to be a multi-level marketing company, with members earning commissions for allegedly selling cryptocurrency bundles containing OneCoin and the capacity to mine more cryptocurrency. This was the company's stated intention.

OneCoin could only be converted into fiat currency through the Xcoinx exchange, a private platform. It was a combination of a pyramid and a Ponzi scheme since investors could bring in new members without a tangible product on offer. Later investors were compensated with the money from the initial investors.

According to the DoJ, Greenwood's position as the "global master distributor" of the fake cryptocurrency enterprise resulted in him collecting around $21.2 million (€20 million) monthly. On 5 April, 2023, Greenwood is scheduled to appear in front of District Judge Edgardo Ramos to receive his punishment.

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Author: Hassan Alzaza

Author: Hassan Alzaza

My Name is Hassan Al-Zaza, I am a detail-driven and experienced SEO Content Writer living in Germany with over ten years of experience developing and producing top-notch content. I have a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature and a Master's in Business Communication. I have been working for 12 years in marketing, Content Writing, and ad Copywriting across SMEs, corporate, and public sector organizations in the EU and the Middle East region. I helped build brands for a wide range of successful companies from IT and software consultancies to the finance industry, tourism, and retail.

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