TLDR
- Edward Zimbardi, accused of running a $165 million crypto Ponzi scheme, was deported from Fiji to the United States on Aug. 14.
- He faces 12 counts of wire fraud, 12 counts of money laundering, and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
- Prosecutors say investors were promised guaranteed monthly returns of 25% through a program called The Crypto Program.
- More than $34 million allegedly went into risky foreign currency trades, and $10 million allegedly covered personal expenses.
- The FBI has opened a portal for victims to submit information about their losses.
Edward Zimbardi is back on U.S. soil after more than a year on the run. The 59 year old from Flowery Branch, Georgia, was deported from Fiji on Aug. 14 following a federal indictment tied to an alleged crypto Ponzi scheme.
Federal prosecutors say Zimbardi created and promoted an investment operation called The Crypto Program. It ran between June 2022 and August 2023.
Promotional videos and websites reportedly told investors they could buy digital advertising packages. These packages allegedly came with a guaranteed monthly return of 25%.
How the Scheme Allegedly Worked
Investors were told to send cryptocurrency to wallets that prosecutors say Zimbardi secretly controlled. More than $165 million allegedly flowed into those wallets from thousands of participants.
Prosecutors say the advertising packages were never purchased. Instead, they allege Zimbardi used money from new investors to pay earlier ones, a common structure in Ponzi schemes.
More than $34 million of investor funds allegedly went into risky foreign currency trades. Those trades reportedly lost a large amount of money, though no exact figure was given.
The indictment also claims Zimbardi spent at least $10 million on personal items. This allegedly included a house for his son, luxury vehicles, and alimony payments to his ex-wife.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said Zimbardi tricked thousands of people with false promises of large returns. He said Zimbardi then tried to evade prosecution by fleeing overseas.
The Flight to Fiji and Deportation
The Crypto Program allegedly collapsed in August 2023, and investors were unable to get their money back. Zimbardi then traveled to Hawaii, Fiji, and other locations.
In July 2025, after learning about the FBI investigation, Zimbardi allegedly fled to Fiji. He stayed there for more than a year.
In May 2026, he reportedly canceled plans to attend his son’s wedding in Virginia. He suspected FBI agents would try to arrest him there, and prosecutors say that suspicion was correct.
Fijian authorities deported Zimbardi on Aug. 14 after learning about the federal charges. The FBI and the U.S. Department of State coordinated the return with Fiji’s immigration ministry and police.
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham said Zimbardi fled more than 7,300 miles to the South Pacific. Graham said the FBI will work to stop scammers no matter where they hide.
Zimbardi was expected to appear before a federal magistrate judge in Los Angeles on Aug. 17. Prosecutors planned to argue he should remain in custody pending trial in Georgia.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, with help from several agencies. These include the SEC, the CFTC, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and the Georgia Secretary of State.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bethany L. Rupert is prosecuting the case. No trial date has been set yet.
The indictment contains only allegations. Zimbardi is presumed innocent unless prosecutors can prove his guilt at trial.
The FBI has opened a portal for people who invested in The Crypto Program. Victims can submit their contact details and transaction information there.
The FBI said it may later request documents to support restitution efforts. Submitting information does not guarantee repayment, and any restitution depends on the case outcome and recoverable assets.
