Lawyer Convicted in $400 Million Crypto Fraud Loses Appeal
Former Locke Lord partner Mark Scott faces prison sentence for role in OneCoin scam
A U.S. federal appeals court in Manhattan has upheld the conviction of Mark Scott, a former Locke Lord law firm partner, for his involvement in a $400 million cryptocurrency fraud scheme. Scott was convicted in 2019 of conspiracy to commit money laundering and bank fraud, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence. The court also ordered the forfeiture of $392 million, along with several bank accounts, a yacht, and two Porsche vehicles.

Case Details
Scott played a key role in laundering hundreds of millions of dollars linked to the infamous OneCoin scam, founded by Ruja Ignatova, known as the “Crypto Queen.” Ignatova remains at large and has been on the FBI’s Most Wanted list since 2022.
Appeal Process and Court Ruling
Scott appealed his conviction, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to prove his guilt. However, a three-judge panel from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously rejected his appeal, ruling that the evidence was more than sufficient to uphold the guilty verdict.
Broader Implications
This case is part of a larger crackdown on fraudulent activities in the cryptocurrency sector. Regulatory agencies worldwide are intensifying efforts to protect investors and prevent illicit financial activities linked to digital assets.
Conclusion
The appellate court’s decision to uphold Mark Scott’s conviction sends a strong message about the legal consequences of cryptocurrency fraud. Investors are advised to conduct thorough due diligence before committing funds to digital assets, as scams and fraudulent schemes continue to pose significant risks in the industry.

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