U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida Charges Florida Executive in Alleged $328M Crypto Ponzi Scheme Amid Surge in Digital Asset Fraud

Federal prosecutors have charged Christopher Alexander Delgado, 34, of Apopka, Florida, in connection with an alleged $328 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme, marking one of the largest crypto-linked investment fraud cases brought in the district.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, Delgado, acting as president and CEO of Goliath Ventures (formerly Gen-Z Venture Firm), allegedly promised investors monthly returns of 3% to 8% generated through cryptocurrency “liquidity pools.” Court filings state that instead of deploying capital as represented, the firm primarily used incoming funds to pay earlier investors and finance luxury properties, high-end events, and travel. Blockchain analysis cited in the complaint indicates that only about $1.5 million was transferred to Uniswap, while the majority of investor funds were not placed into liquidity pools.

Delgado faces charges of wire fraud and money laundering and, if convicted on all counts, could face up to 30 years in federal prison. The case is being investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Authorities are urging potential victims to come forward.

The enforcement action comes amid a broader escalation in crypto-related fraud. According to the 2026 Crypto Crime Report by Chainalysis, cryptocurrency scams received at least $14 billion in on-chain inflows in 2025, with projections suggesting totals may exceed $17 billion as investigations continue. The report highlights increasing sophistication in investment and impersonation scams.

The Florida case reinforces a consistent enforcement message: guaranteed or “low-risk” high-yield crypto products remain a primary red flag in digital asset investment schemes.