Edward Zimbardi Deported From Fiji to Face $165M Crypto Fraud Charges

Theodore S. Hertzberg, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, said Zimbardi "tricked thousands of people to invest in his 'Crypto Program' with false promises of enormous returns. Instead, he spent the money on risky currency trades, payments to early investors, and treating himself to a house and expensive vehicles."

FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham said Zimbardi "preyed on trusting individuals through a complex scheme to separate people from their hard-earned money and then reportedly fled more than 7300 miles to the South Pacific."

Fijian authorities coordinated with U.S. diplomatic officials to arrest and deport Zimbardi on Aug. 14. He appeared before a federal magistrate judge in Los Angeles, where prosecutors argued for continued detention. He remains in custody.

Hertzberg added: "When his scam imploded, he allegedly tried to evade federal prosecution by fleeing to the other side of the world. Thanks to law enforcement and diplomatic authorities in Fiji and the United States, Zimbardi is back on American soil and will face trial."

The FBI reported $20.877 billion in internet-crime losses during 2025, with cryptocurrency-related complaints accounting for $11.37 billion. Victims can submit transaction information through the FBI Crypto Program Victim Portal. The portal allows victims to upload transaction details, which may assist in tracing funds and building the case.