A Russian crypto influencer arrested over a GBP 60 million fraud has now been accused of sending funds to support Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Seven months pregnant Valeria Fedyakina, 28, known as ‘Queen of Crypto’, was originally arrested on 15th September.
Moscow police believe she was running a financial pyramid scheme after one accuser claimed they were tricked into investing USD 70 million (GBP 57 million).
Fedyakina, also known as Bitmama, reportedly said she would use crypto to transfer their money to Dubai without any banking restrictions and that her clients would even receive a 1 per cent bonus.
But after she was handed the money Fedyakina, reports local media, simply disappeared.
Russian police now say part of the money was sent to support the Ukrainian army to help resist the Russian invasion.
Fedyakina was arrested as she tried to leave Russia aboard a flight to the UAE.
Two other alleged victims also reportedly gave Fedyakina RUB 750 million (GBP 6.5 million) to transfer funds to Dubai.
Now, say Russian prosecutors, she is believed to have transferred part of these missing funds as well to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Fedyakina’s defence has denied the claims and told local media she supports the Russian invasion and is ready to donate funds to the needs of the Moscow military.
They claim she is a victim of conspiracy, and had used her own money to pay the clients who, she says, never paid her back.
Moscow City Court has ordered her to remain in custody until a hearing on 15th November as the case is ongoing.
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Story By: Marija Stojkoska, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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