A 59-year-old Georgia man accused of operating a massive cryptocurrency investment fraud has been returned to the United States after being deported from Fiji. Federal prosecutors allege that Edward Zimbardi defrauded more than 6,000 investors and caused losses exceeding $165 million through an investment operation known as “The Crypto Program.”
Zimbardi, who is from Flowery Branch, Georgia, was brought back to the US on August 14 following coordination between Fijian authorities, the FBI and the US Department of State. He is facing federal allegations involving wire fraud, money laundering and a conspiracy related to money laundering.
Investors Were Promised 25% Monthly Returns
According to federal prosecutors, Zimbardi promoted The Crypto Program between June 2022 and August 2023 as an investment opportunity involving digital advertising packages. Investors were allegedly promised a guaranteed return of 25% every month, an unusually high rate that prosecutors say was used to attract participants.
Investigators allege that investors transferred cryptocurrency into digital wallets secretly controlled by Zimbardi. More than $165 million was reportedly sent to those wallets by thousands of participants.
Prosecutors further allege that the money was not used as advertised. More than $34 million was reportedly put into risky foreign-currency trading, where substantial losses occurred. Funds from newer investors were also allegedly used to make payments to earlier participants, helping keep the operation running.
At least $10 million was allegedly spent on personal expenses, including a home for Zimbardi’s son, luxury vehicles and alimony payments, according to prosecutors.
Alleged Crypto Scheme Led to International Escape
The investment operation reportedly collapsed in August 2023, after which Zimbardi left the United States. Prosecutors say he traveled through several locations before reaching Fiji in July 2025 as the FBI investigation was progressing.
Authorities say Zimbardi became concerned that he could be arrested if he returned to the United States. In May 2026, he reportedly canceled plans to attend his son’s wedding in Virginia after suspecting federal agents could take him into custody.
A federal grand jury in Georgia indicted Zimbardi on July 8, 2026. The indictment includes 12 counts of wire fraud, 12 counts of money laundering and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Fijian authorities subsequently deported him to the United States on August 14. He was expected to appear before a federal magistrate judge in Los Angeles while prosecutors sought continued detention as the case moves forward in Georgia.
Zimbardi is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
