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CJ Ujah Charged in UK Crypto-Fraud Probe

Police describe a phone scam using fake officers and crypto firms to obtain crypto wallet seed phrases.

Overview

  • Ujah is one of 10 people charged with conspiracy to defraud in a Regional Organised Crime Unit investigation into an alleged organised crypto scam.
  • He was bailed to attend a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on May 28 after an initial appearance before magistrates.
  • Detectives say callers posed as police or cryptocurrency companies to coax victims into revealing wallet recovery keys known as seed phrases.
  • Once a seed phrase is shared, anyone can move the money from that crypto wallet, and police say one victim lost more than £300,000.
  • The inquiry spans Kent, Essex and London, and includes fellow sprinter Brandon Mingeli, who was remanded in custody, while Ujah and British Athletics have not commented.