Fiji deports US suspect accused in US$165m Ponzi scheme

A United States citizen accused of involvement in an alleged US$165 million Ponzi scheme has been deported from Fiji to face federal charges in the United States.

Edward Zimbardi was deported on August 14 following co-operation between Fijian and US authorities.

He faces federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with an alleged scheme that US authorities say victimised thousands of people.

The Fijian Ministry of Immigration and Fiji Police Force worked with the US Embassy Suva’s Diplomatic Security Service, the United States Department of Justice Office of International Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to return Zimbardi to the United States.

According to US authorities, Zimbardi allegedly persuaded thousands of people to invest in his “Crypto Program” by promising significant returns.

US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Theodore S. Hertzberg alleged that Zimbardi instead used investors’ money for risky currency trades, payments to earlier investors and personal expenses, including a house and expensive vehicles.

“When his scam imploded, he allegedly tried to evade federal prosecution by fleeing to the other side of the world,” Mr Hertzberg said.

“Thanks to law enforcement and diplomatic authorities in Fiji and the United States, Zimbardi is back on American soil and will face trial.”

The deportation followed a years-long investigation involving US and international authorities.

The US Embassy in Suva commended the Ministry of Immigration and Fiji Police Force for what it described as their speed and proficiency in handling the case.

Zimbardi has not been convicted of the charges, and the allegations again him remain to be determined by a US court.