Orlando CEO Christopher Delgado Arrested in Massive $328 Million Crypto Ponzi Scheme
By Staff Reporter | February 25, 2026
Christopher Alexander Delgado, the 34-year-old CEO of Goliath Ventures in Apopka, Florida, was arrested on federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering for allegedly orchestrating a $328 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Alleged Scheme Details
Delgado, who founded Goliath Ventures—previously known as Gen-Z Venture Firm—allegedly solicited investments from January 2023 to January 2026 by promising monthly returns through cryptocurrency “liquidity pools.” Instead, the DOJ claims, the funds were used to pay earlier investors, fund lavish events like business gatherings and holiday parties, and purchase four luxury homes priced between $1.15 million and $8.5 million.
“Victims were induced to give money to Goliath through personal referrals, professional marketing materials, luxury events, charitable sponsorships, and some monthly payments of purported returns, all of which were designed to establish Goliath’s bona fides with investors,” the DOJ stated in its announcement.
Victim Impact and Investigations
One investor reportedly lost $720,000, while another recovered funds only after direct contact with Delgado. Federal prosecutors allege that of the $328 million raised, only about $1 million was actually invested in liquidity pools. The scheme drew international investors from the U.S., Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.
The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. New Zealand-based OSINT researcher Danny de Hek had been publicly warning about Goliath Ventures since September 2025, claiming it operated as an unregistered hedge fund. De Hek stated he provided information to authorities starting that month, and Goliath sued him in October 2025 for damages and injunctive relief.
“Federal authorities arrested Goliath Ventures founder and CEO Christopher Alexander Delgado on a criminal complaint charging him with wire fraud and money laundering.”
Broader Context of Crypto Fraud in Florida
This arrest comes amid a wave of cryptocurrency-related fraud cases in Florida. Just weeks ago, on February 12, 2026, Praetorian Group International CEO Ramil Ventura Palafox was sentenced to 20 years for a $200 million Bitcoin Ponzi scheme defrauding over 90,000 investors worldwide. Palafox promised 0.5% to 3% daily returns but paid investors with new funds.
Other recent cases include Efrain Betancourt, sentenced in August 2025 to over seven years for a $66 million Ponzi via Sky Group, and Juan Tacuri, who received 20 years for an $8.4 million crypto scheme called Forcount. These incidents highlight ongoing vulnerabilities in the crypto investment space.
| Perpetrator | Scheme Amount | Sentence/Date |
|---|---|---|
| Christopher Delgado (Goliath Ventures) | $328M | Arrested Feb 24, 2026 |
| Ramil Palafox (Praetorian Group) | $201M | 20 years, Feb 12, 2026 |
| Efrain Betancourt (Sky Group) | $66M | 7+ years, Aug 2025 |
| Juan Tacuri (Forcount) | $8.4M | 20 years, prior to 2026 |
Civil Actions and Investor Warnings
Prior to the arrest, Prestige Florida Property Investment LLC sued Goliath Ventures in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, alleging a Ponzi scheme promising 48% guaranteed returns. The lawsuit underscores early red flags raised by investors and watchdogs like de Hek.
The DOJ urges potential victims to contact Goliathvictims@ci.irs.gov or visit the designated website for assistance. Authorities emphasize the importance of verifying investment opportunities, especially in high-return crypto schemes, which often signal Ponzi operations.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Delgado faces serious penalties if convicted, similar to recent precedents. The Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting, with the arrest announced Tuesday from Orlando. As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks in unregulated crypto investments.
Investors worldwide are watching closely, hoping for recovery efforts and justice for those defrauded by Goliath Ventures’ glittering promises.