Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Florida man taken into custody for $328 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme: DOJ

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Florida Man Accused of Running $328 Million Ponzi Scheme

APOPKA, Fla. – A significant legal case has emerged from Apopka, Florida, where 34-year-old Christopher Alexander Delgado is accused of orchestrating a staggering $328 million Ponzi scheme. This shocking allegation comes directly from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which recently arrested Delgado on charges of wire fraud and money laundering.

The Allegations Against Delgado

Delgado, who served as the president and CEO of Goliath Ventures, formerly known as Gen-Z Venture Firm, allegedly misled investors between January 2023 and January 2026. According to the DOJ, he convinced numerous individuals to invest substantial sums under the false pretense that their money would contribute to cryptocurrency “liquidity pools,” promising attractive monthly returns.

Misuse of Funds

Rather than investing in cryptocurrency as claimed, the DOJ reports that Delgado misappropriated the funds to sustain the scheme. The money was used to pay earlier investors, a hallmark characteristic of a Ponzi scheme, as well as to finance opulent business events, lavish holiday parties, and the acquisition of multiple luxury homes. The DOJ’s findings specifically note that Delgado purchased four multi-million-dollar residences, each purchased with funds meant for investment.

Lavish Lifestyle

The four homes mentioned in the complaint vary significantly in price, showcasing Delgado’s extravagant spending habits:

  • $3.2 million home in Winter Park (July 2025)
  • $1.15 million home in Kissimmee (December 2024)
  • $8.5 million home in Windermere (September 2025)
  • $1.65 million home in Sanford (August 2024)

These purchases reflect a lifestyle far removed from the investors’ expectations, leading to increased scrutiny from regulators.

Testimonies of the Victims

The impact of Delgado’s alleged actions has been devastating for many investors. One victim—a yet-to-be-named individual—reported a loss of $720,000. This staggering amount illustrates just how high the stakes were for those caught in Delgado’s scheme. Another investor, who managed to recover some of his funds, had to directly confront Delgado to do so, emphasizing the challenges victims face in navigating the aftermath of such schemes.

Soliciting Help for Victims

In light of the situation, the DOJ has urged anyone who suspects they may have fallen victim to Delgado’s operations to reach out. Potential victims are encouraged to email the DOJ at Goliathvictims@ci.irs.gov or visit the official DOJ website for further assistance.

If convicted of the charges against him, Delgado faces a grim future, staring down the possibility of up to 30 years in federal prison. The seriousness of these allegations, combined with the substantial financial losses incurred by investors, underscores the ramifications of fraudulent investment schemes.

Public Impact

This case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of investment fraud, especially in the relatively new and often speculative realm of cryptocurrencies. As more people seek to invest in digital currencies, the risk of falling prey to scams like Delgado’s increases, reminding potential investors to conduct thorough due diligence and remain vigilant in their investment strategies.

The unfolding drama surrounding Christopher Alexander Delgado and his alleged Ponzi scheme continues to capture public attention, with investigators still searching for more information and any additional victims of this extensive fraud.

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