British sprinter CJ Ujah charged in UK crypto fraud probe over phone scam
British Olympic sprinter CJ Ujah, 32, is among ten suspects charged in a UK cryptocurrency fraud investigation. The Eastern Region Special Operations Unit conducted raids across Kent, Essex, and London, leading to charges of conspiracy to defraud. Ujah was granted bail until 28 May at Chelmsford Crown Court. Authorities allege the organized group posed as police officers and crypto company representatives, pressuring victims to disclose wallet seed phrases via phone. One victim reportedly lost over £300,000 ($408,895). The Regional Organised Crime Unit warned that legitimate police and crypto firms never request seed phrases or demand urgent transfers. The charges come four years after Ujah's 22-month doping ban tied to Tokyo 2020, for which he was cleared of intentional doping. Fellow sprinter Brandon Mingeli, 25, was also charged and remains in custody. The case highlights the growing threat of impersonation scams targeting crypto wallet holders, emphasizing the danger of sharing private keys or seed phrases under pressure.
Key facts
- CJ Ujah and 9 others charged with conspiracy to defraud in UK crypto scam.
- Suspects posed as police and crypto reps to steal wallet seed phrases.
- One victim lost over £300,000; raids conducted across Kent, Essex, London.
- Genuine police and crypto firms never request seed phrases by phone.
- Ujah previously faced doping ban; case proceeds with presumption of innocence.