British Sprinter CJ Ujah Charged in Crypto Scam

British sprinter CJ Ujah was charged along with nine others on Thursday with conspiracy to defraud as part of a United Kingdom investigation into a cryptocurrency scam that tricked victims into revealing wallet seed phrases. The Regional Organised Crime Unit Network conducted coordinated raids on April 29 across Kent, Essex, London and Wakefield, leading to the arrests.

Authorities allege the suspects belonged to an organized crime group that contacted victims by phone, posing as police officers or representatives from cryptocurrency companies. Victims were convinced to share seed phrases, which serve as master recovery keys for cryptocurrency wallets, allowing unauthorized access and theft of funds. One victim reportedly lost more than 300,000 pounds in the scheme, according to the Regional Organised Crime Unit.

All 10 suspects appeared before Margate Magistrates Court on April 30. Ujah, 32, and six others were granted bail and ordered to return to Chelmsford Crown Court on May 28. Three individuals, including fellow British sprinter Brandon Mingeli, were remanded in custody until that date. Mingeli, 25, competed in the 100 meters at the 2021 European Under-23 Championships.