Alleged $165M crypto Ponzi mastermind faces US charges after Fiji deportation
Edward Zimbardi, accused of masterminding a $165 million crypto Ponzi scheme, was deported from Fiji and returned to the U.S. to face federal fraud and money laundering charges. Prosecutors say he promoted “The Crypto Program” from June 2022 to August 2023 as an advertising-package investment promising 25% monthly returns, drawing thousands of investors who sent more than $165 million in crypto to wallets he controlled. Instead of investing as promised, he allegedly used over $34 million for risky foreign currency trades, used new investor money to pay earlier investors, and spent at least $10 million on personal expenses including a house, luxury cars, and alimony. He was indicted on wire fraud and money laundering charges and had reportedly fled to Fiji after learning of the FBI investigation.
