A U.S citizen accused of running an alleged Ponzi scheme worth more than US$165 million has been deported from Fiji to the United States to face federal charges.
The U.S Embassy in Fiji confirm Edward Zimbardi was deported on Friday following cooperation between Fiji’s Ministry of Immigration, the Fiji Police Force and U.S. authorities.
Zimbardi faces federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with the alleged scheme, which reportedly victimised thousands of people.
The U.S Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, Theodore S. Hertzberg, says Zimbardi allegedly tricked thousands of people into investing in his “Crypto Program” by promising huge returns.
Hertzberg says Zimbardi allegedly used the money for risky currency trades, payments to early investors, a house and expensive vehicles instead.
He says when the alleged scheme collapsed, Zimbardi fled to Fiji in an attempt to evade federal prosecution.
The operation to return Zimbardi to the United States involved the U.S Embassy in Suva’s Diplomatic Security Service, the United States Department of Justice Office of International Affairs and the FBI.
Hertzberg says, with the assistance of law enforcement and diplomatic authorities in Fiji and the United States, Zimbardi has been returned to the U.S and will face trial.
The U.S Embassy in Suva has commended the Ministry of Immigration and the Fiji Police Force for their speed and proficiency in handling the case.
The allegations against Zimbardi have not been proven in court.
He will appear in federal court today to face wire fraud and money laundering charges.
