Crypto Mastermind Deported to Face Massive $165 Million Fraud Trial

FBI gets alleged $165 million crypto Ponzi scheme mastermind back after year-long Fiji escape

Edward Zimbardi has been returned to the US after being deported from Fiji, putting the alleged mastermind of a $165 million crypto investment scheme back within reach of federal prosecutors. A federal grand jury in Georgia indicted Zimbardi on July 8 on 12 counts of wire fraud, 12 counts of money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia said. Prosecutors al…

FBI Says Crypto Program Founder Ran $165 Million Investor Fraud

TLDR Edward Zimbardi faces federal wire fraud and money laundering charges tied to a crypto Ponzi scheme. Prosecutors say the scheme, called The Crypto Program, took in more than $165 million from thousands of investors. Zimbardi allegedly promised a guaranteed 25% monthly return on advertising packages paid for with crypto. He fled to Fiji in 2025 and was deported back to the U.S. on August 14, 2026. He appeared before a federal magistrate in …

Crypto Mastermind Deported to Face Massive $165 Million Fraud Trial

Federal law enforcement prosecutors in Georgia unsealed criminal charges against Edward Zimbardi following his high-profile deportation from Fiji. Authorities allege he ran a fraudulent investment scheme that misappropriated $165 million from thousands of investors worldwide. Alleged Scheme...