Alleged $165M Crypto Ponzi Mastermind Deported From Fiji to US
Edward Zimbardi, 59, has been returned to the U.S. after more than a year abroad and now faces federal wire fraud and money laundering charges tied to an alleged $165 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme. Prosecutors say he ran “The Crypto Program” from June 2022 to August 2023, promising investors guaranteed 25% monthly returns through advertising packages. Instead, investors were directed to send crypto to wallets he controlled, and more than 1,000 people reportedly invested over $165 million. Authorities say he gambled over $34 million on foreign-currency trades, used new investor money to pay earlier investors, and spent at least $10 million on personal expenses, including a house for his son and luxury vehicles. He was deported from Fiji with help from U.S. agencies. The FBI is seeking additional investors to come forward.
