The elusive figure known as the "Crypto Queen," Ruja Ignatova, mastermind behind the notorious OneCoin scam, continues to evade law enforcement despite a significant increase in the bounty for her capture. This week, the US State Department raised the reward to an astonishing $5 million, marking the latest effort in the ongoing pursuit that has gripped the cryptocurrency world.

Ignatova, once celebrated as the Crypto Queen for her charismatic persona and promises of a groundbreaking digital currency, disappeared in 2017 just before being indicted for fraud. OneCoin, the cryptocurrency project she co-founded, pledged substantial returns to investors based on a purportedly revolutionary technology. However, authorities allege it was a meticulously orchestrated Ponzi scheme that defrauded billions from victims worldwide.

While Ignatova has eluded capture, several of her associates have faced legal repercussions. Her co-founder, Karl Sebastian Greenwood, is currently serving a 20-year sentence following extradition from Thailand. Ignatova's brother, Konstantin, also received prison time after pleading guilty to money laundering and fraud charges. Recently, Irina Dilkinska, OneCoin's former head of compliance, joined the growing list of convicted individuals associated with the scam.

Ignatova's disappearance has sparked numerous conspiracy theories, with speculation ranging from plastic surgery to organized crime connections. The FBI suspects she may be using a German passport to evade detection, and some theories suggest she might have met a grim fate involving Bulgarian organized crime figures.

The increased reward underscores a renewed effort by law enforcement to apprehend Ignatova, urging the public to come forward with any information, promising anonymity if desired. Social media platforms have also become venues for disseminating information about Ignatova and the OneCoin scam, aiming to generate leads that could lead to her capture.

Beyond the financial incentive, capturing Ignatova represents justice for the victims who lost their savings in the OneCoin scheme and serves as a warning against exploiting the burgeoning cryptocurrency industry. Despite her current status as a fugitive, law enforcement remains committed to holding Ignatova accountable for the devastation caused by her actions.