The Missing Cryptoqueen The Missing Cryptoqueen

14. The Cablecar

Jan 22, 2026 · 32m

Summary

In this episode, the search for OneCoin founder Dr. Ruja Ignatova intensifies after US authorities raise her reward to $5 million and a German documentary claims she was spotted in Cape Town. The hosts consult a professional "disappearing" expert to understand how fugitives evade capture and interview German investigators who confirm the South Africa lead is credible but unproven. They also examine the recent assassination of Bulgarian gangster Krasimir Kamov, assessing whether it is linked to Ruja or local organized crime. Ultimately, the team realizes that chasing false leads is futile an…

Topics discussed

Sponsorship: Prince's Islands and Times Square New lead: Cape Town, South Africa US reward increased to $5 million Ruja on the FBI 10 Most Wanted list Interview with disappearance expert Frank Ahern Rules for staying hidden: identity and contact Disinformation and the limits of surveillance Why Cape Town is a plausible hiding spot Interview with INL official on the reward German police investigator on the search Connecting the dots: murder and sightings Clarifying the timing of the reward increase Kuro's murder and local crime context The Cape Town lead goes cold Reflection on six years of false leads Shifting focus: finding the money, not Ruja Episode credits and production team Visiting the Marilyn Monroe exhibition Sponsorship: Prison party, ASU, and Tea history
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