British sprinter and former world champion CJ Ujah has been arrested and charged with conspiracy to defraud in connection with an alleged cryptocurrency fraud. Ujah is one of 10 individuals arrested by the Regional Organised Crime Unit Network (ROCU) following an investigation across Kent, Essex, and London.
Details of the Alleged Scam
The alleged scam involved suspects impersonating police officers and cryptocurrency companies to trick victims into revealing security details, resulting in funds being stolen from their crypto wallets. Ujah appeared at Margate Magistrates’ Court on 30 April and was bailed to attend a court hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on 28 May. Another British athlete, Brandon Mingeli, was also arrested in connection with the alleged fraud and remanded in custody until the same hearing.
Background on CJ Ujah
CJ Ujah is a British sprinter who won a gold medal in the 4x100 metres relay at the 2019 World Athletics Championships. He also competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he was part of the British 4x100 metres relay team that initially finished second but was later disqualified due to a doping violation by Ujah. He served a 22-month ban for the doping offence, which ended in 2023.
The arrests were made as part of a coordinated operation by the Regional Organised Crime Unit Network, which targets serious and organised crime across multiple regions. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed the total amount of funds allegedly stolen in the scam.
Both Ujah and Mingeli are scheduled to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 28 May for further proceedings.
