Allegations of Improper Litigation Threat
According to Bloomberg, a lawyer who once represented Ruja Ignatova, the fugitive founder of Onecoin, a multibillion‑dollar crypto scam, faces disciplinary proceedings for allegedly threatening a victim of the scam. Claire Gill, a solicitor at Carter‑Ruck, is accused of pressuring Jennifer McAdam by sending a 2017 legal letter demanding she remove Youtube videos linking the scheme to criminal activity.
According to the UK’s Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Gill issued the threat despite knowing there was a “strong possibility” Onecoin was fraudulent. U.S. authorities say Ignatova masterminded a global fraud that extracted nearly $4 billion from investors by selling digital tokens that never existed. She is on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, and co‑founder Karl Sebastian Greenwood has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after admitting to fraud.
Despite being long presumed dead, the fugitive Ignatova was reported to be alive and hiding in South Africa late last year. The speculation was fueled by German filmmaker Johan von Mirbach, who claimed sources in the South African security services tipped him off that Ignatova was residing in a heavily guarded neighbourhood.
Defense Argues Right to Rely on Client Instructions
Meanwhile, at a hearing on Dec. 11, Gill’s legal team urged the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal to dismiss the case, arguing she and her law firm were entitled to rely on Onecoin’s assurances that the allegations were false. They maintained that threatening defamation action for public‑relations purposes was neither improper nor abusive, and noted that no lawsuit was ultimately filed.
The SRA contends Gill crossed ethical boundaries, particularly given McAdam’s “vulnerable” physical and mental state at the time. Regulators say the seriousness of the threat is unchanged even though McAdam refused to comply.
The case unfolds as the UK government ramps up efforts to curb SLAPPs — lawsuits used to intimidate critics — with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy signalling plans for tougher measures. Carter‑Ruck’s lawyers argue the regulator only brought the case due to political pressure.
Regulatory filings show Gill wrote to Ignatova shortly before contacting McAdam, saying legal action was viewed as necessary “to send a clear message that action is being taken, even though the claims are not straightforward.” The tribunal could impose an unlimited fine or strike Gill off the roll of solicitors.
FAQ ❓
- Who is the lawyer facing disciplinary action? Claire Gill of Carter‑Ruck is being investigated for allegedly issuing improper legal threats to a OneCoin victim.
- Why is the case significant in the UK? It comes as the UK moves to crack down on SLAPP‑style lawsuits used to intimidate critics.
- What is Ruja Ignatova’s current status? The fugitive “cryptoqueen” remains on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, with recent reports suggesting she may be hiding in South Africa.
- What penalties could the tribunal impose? Gill could face an unlimited fine or be struck off the roll of solicitors if misconduct is proven.
