Ventsislav Zlatkov, appointed CEO of the notorious OneCoin pyramid scheme in 2022, departed from his role on February 18, 2025. The company announced the leadership change on its "One Ecosystem" website, following internal discussions reportedly held in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Zlatkov's public presence as CEO remained minimal during his tenure. He appeared in a limited number of OneCoin's marketing and promotional videos, primarily serving as a public face for the operation. Beyond these initial appearances, his specific activities or strategic leadership contributions to the scheme were not widely publicized or evident. The "One Ecosystem" branding represented OneCoin's attempt to reframe its operation as a legitimate digital platform after years of global fraud allegations.
The official statement from OneCoin's "One Ecosystem" website acknowledged a need for "leadership transition to ensure that ONE Ecosystem continues its path to excellence and sustained growth." It offered "sincere gratitude" to Zlatkov, crediting him with "laying the groundwork for future success." This public declaration of a new base in Hanoi contrasts with persistent intelligence suggesting OneCoin's core operations remain rooted in Sofia, Bulgaria, the country of its original founding.
OneCoin, founded by Ruja Ignatova in 2014, has been identified by global authorities as one of the largest cryptocurrency-related pyramid schemes in history, defrauding investors of billions worldwide. Ignatova disappeared in 2017, leading to a succession of figureheads and a persistent leadership vacuum at the top of the organization. Karl Greenwood and Konstantin Ignatov, Ignatova's brother, were both convicted in U.S. courts for their significant roles in perpetuating the scheme. The installation of a nominal CEO like Zlatkov often serves to project an image of corporate legitimacy, aiming to reassure existing participants and attract new recruits, even for a fundamentally illicit operation facing increasing international regulatory scrutiny.
As of January 2025, the "One Ecosystem" website recorded approximately 103,000 monthly visits, according to SimilarWeb data. A significant portion of this traffic originated from China, accounting for 22% of visitors. Russia followed with 18%, and Thailand contributed 16%. These traffic patterns suggest continued engagement from regions where OneCoin has historically concentrated its recruitment efforts, particularly in Southeast Asia and parts of Eastern Europe, where regulatory oversight can be inconsistent and digital literacy varies. The public claim of a Vietnamese headquarters likely aims to further establish a perceived regional presence and evade scrutiny from traditional financial centers.
With Zlatkov's departure, OneCoin reverts to its characteristic state as a company without a public face. This operational model allows the scheme's true architects to maintain anonymity while obscuring accountability for ongoing activities and the substantial losses incurred by participants. Past attempts to install public-facing leaders have consistently proven temporary, with individuals eventually departing or facing legal repercussions. The strategy enables the core network to adapt, resurface, and continue recruitment under new guises and rebranded platforms.
Victims of OneCoin and similar schemes can find resources and support through organizations like the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force or by contacting their national consumer protection agencies.