A Georgia man accused of orchestrating a $165 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme has returned to the United States after authorities say he fled to Fiji to avoid arrest.
Edward Zimbardi, 59, faces federal wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy charges in Georgia. Prosecutors allege he operated “The Crypto Program” from 2022 to 2023, promising investors monthly returns of 25% through cryptocurrency-based advertising packages.
Zimbardi was deported from Fiji on August 14 following cooperation between Fijian authorities, the FBI and State Department. He is expected to face proceedings in Georgia.
Federal investigators are seeking potential victims and documents that could support restitution. Zimbardi is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Related Tweet:
CASE UPATE from @FBIAtlanta: Alleged Mastermind of $165 Million Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme Facing Federal Charges after Deportation from Fiji#FBI Atlanta special agents just returned from FIJI where they arrested a man allegedly behind a multi-million-dollar Crypto Ponzi… pic.twitter.com/WLazevqLz6
— FBI (@FBI) August 17, 2026
Alleged $165 million crypto Ponzi operator faces US charges after deportation from Fiji
— BSCN (@BSCNews) August 17, 2026
Edward Zimbardi appears in federal court today on wire fraud and money laundering charges over The Crypto Program, an alleged Ponzi scheme that drew more than $165 million from thousands of… pic.twitter.com/5xzxl1OsLk
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