Fugitive Luja “Crypto Queen” Ignatova’s lawyer accused of unjust legal intimidation

A British lawyer is facing disciplinary action for allegedly threatening OneCoin victims as regulators investigate her role.

Allegation of unjustified threat of litigation

A lawyer who once represented Ruja Ignatova, the fugitive founder of the multibillion-dollar cryptocurrency scam OneCoin, is facing disciplinary proceedings for allegedly threatening victims of the scam, according to Bloomberg. Carterak’s lawyer, Claire Gill, is accused of pressuring Jennifer McAdam in 2017 by sending her a legal letter asking her to delete a YouTube video linking the scheme to criminal activity.

The UK’s Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) said Mr Gill made the threat knowing there was a “strong possibility” that OneCoin was a scam. U.S. authorities allege Ignatova was the mastermind behind a global scam that bilked investors out of nearly $4 billion by selling digital tokens that didn’t exist. She is on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list and co-founder Karl Sebastian Greenwood was sentenced to 20 years in prison after admitting fraud.

Despite long being presumed dead, fugitive Ignatova was reported alive and in hiding in South Africa late last year. This speculation was further fueled by German film director Johann von Mirbach, who claimed to have been informed by sources in the South African security services that Ignatova lived in a heavily guarded area.

Read more: Bulgaria’s ‘crypto queen’ is alive, hiding in South Africa: Report

Defense claims right to rely on client’s instructions

Meanwhile, at a Dec. 11 hearing, Gill’s lawyers asked the Bar Disciplinary Tribunal to dismiss the case, arguing that she and her law firm were entitled to rely on OneCoin’s assurances that the allegations were false. They argued that the threat of a defamation lawsuit for public relations purposes was neither inappropriate nor abusive, and noted that no lawsuit was ultimately filed.

The SRA claims Gill crossed ethical boundaries, particularly given McAdam’s “vulnerable” physical and mental state at the time. Regulators say McAdam’s refusal to comply does not change the seriousness of the threat.

The incident comes as the British government steps up efforts to curb Slaps – legal proceedings used to intimidate critics – with Deputy Prime Minister David Lamy hinting at plans for tougher measures. Carter Luck’s lawyers argue that regulators brought the case only because of political pressure.

Mr. Gill sent a letter to Mr. Ignatova shortly before contacting Mr. McAdam, saying he deemed legal action necessary “to send a clear message that action is being taken, although the allegations are not straightforward,” according to regulatory filings. The court could impose an unlimited fine or remove Gill from the list of attorneys.

Frequently asked questions ❓

• Which lawyers are being disciplined? Claire Gill of Carterack is under investigation for allegedly making unlawful legal threats against OneCoin victims.
• Why is this case important in the UK? This comes as Britain moves to crack down on SLAPP-style lawsuits used to intimidate critics.
• What is Ruja Ignatova’s current situation? The fugitive “Queen of Code” remains on the FBI’s 10 most wanted list, with recent reports suggesting she may be hiding in South Africa.
• What penalties may the court impose? If misconduct is proven, Gill could face an unlimited fine or be removed from the list of attorneys.