Federal prosecutors have charged a Florida man with running what authorities describe as a massive cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that raised hundreds of millions of dollars over three years, while funding a lavish personal lifestyle.
- Florida man arrested over alleged $328M crypto Ponzi scheme.
- Investors were promised 3–8% “guaranteed” monthly returns.
- Most funds allegedly used to pay old investors and fund luxury lifestyle.
- Faces wire fraud and money laundering charges, up to 30 years in prison.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 34-year-old Christopher Alexander Delgado was arrested on February 24, 2026. Investigators allege he orchestrated a $328 million fraud through his Orlando-based company, Goliath Ventures Inc., formerly known as Gen-Z Venture Firm. Delgado, who lives in Apopka, Florida, faces federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
How The Alleged Scheme Worked
Federal prosecutors claim the operation ran from January 2023 through January 2026 and followed a classic Ponzi structure. Investors were allegedly promised guaranteed or low-risk monthly returns ranging from 3 percent to 8 percent. These returns were said to be generated through cryptocurrency liquidity pools, a term often used in decentralized finance to describe yield-generating mechanisms.
However, investigators state that only a small fraction of the funds raised – roughly $1 million to $1.5 million – was ever sent to actual crypto platforms. Instead, the majority of the $328 million was allegedly used to pay earlier investors, satisfy withdrawal requests, and cover personal expenses.
Authorities also claim the company distributed fabricated account statements and used polished marketing materials to reinforce the illusion of a legitimate, profitable operation.
Luxury Homes And A Carefully Built Public Image
Prosecutors allege Delgado used investor money to purchase multiple high-end properties across Florida. Among the reported purchases were an $8.5 million home in Windermere, a $3.2 million property in Winter Park, a $1.65 million residence in Sanford, and a $1.15 million home in Kissimmee.
Beyond real estate, Delgado allegedly cultivated a high-profile public persona in Central Florida. He previously ran – unsuccessfully – for a seat on the Orange County Board of Commissioners in 2022 and made public philanthropic pledges. Authorities say he also posted photos with well-known political figures on social media to project credibility and suggest political connections.
Investigation And Next Steps
The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Questions about the firm’s legitimacy had reportedly surfaced months earlier. In September 2025, investigative journalist Danny de Hek publicly raised concerns, alleging the company was operating as an unregistered hedge fund.
Delgado appeared in federal court on the day of his arrest and was later released by a judge while the case moves forward.
Federal authorities are urging anyone who believes they may be a victim and has not yet been contacted to reach out via email at [email protected]
as investigators continue to assess the scope of losses.
The case adds to a growing list of large-scale crypto-related fraud prosecutions in the United States, as regulators and law enforcement agencies intensify scrutiny of investment schemes promising steady, high returns in volatile digital asset markets.
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Source: https://coindoo.com/crypto-executive-arrested-over-328m-ponzi-scheme/