Intelligence Squared The Hunt for the Missing Cryptoqueen, with Jamie Bartlett
Jul 6, 2022
Jamie Bartlett, an internet politics expert and author of "The Missing Cryptoqueen," joins Leila Begum, a victim of the OneCoin scam, to unveil the deception behind Dr. Ruja Ignatova's cryptocurrency fraud. They discuss how emotional tactics ensnared investors, the intricate web of complicity among institutions, and the personal toll on victims. Bartlett shares insights from his investigative work, revealing the challenges of journalism in exposing such scams and the need for accountability in the digital finance landscape.
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Episode notes
First Encounter
- Leila Begum first encountered OneCoin through a 12-year family friend who was already involved.
- She attended a OneCoin event initially to support him, not to invest.
OneCoin's Appeal
- OneCoin's rapid growth, reaching 175 countries and possibly a million investors, was fueled by its simple pitch.
- It positioned itself as a user-friendly alternative to Bitcoin, targeting ordinary people.
Event Atmosphere
- Leila Begum describes the OneCoin event as packed with diverse individuals, many with limited knowledge.
- She highlights the pressure to join due to the hype and fear of missing out.
