In a significant international law enforcement operation, Venezuelan authorities have arrested Rosa María González, a central figure in Argentina's massive Generación Zoe cryptocurrency fraud case. The arrest, which took place on April 10, 2025, in San Cristóbal, Táchira state, marks a pivotal development in a four-year pursuit for justice. González was apprehended while allegedly planning a new fraudulent project in Venezuela and was reportedly in possession of Bitcoin assets valued at approximately $56 million (611 BTC).
The Generación Zoe case is considered one of Argentina's largest alleged financial frauds linked to digital assets, with estimated losses exceeding $120 million for tens of thousands of investors. The operation functioned as a sophisticated Ponzi scheme, promising investors monthly returns of up to 7.5% through a purported automated trading system backed by a gold-linked crypto asset. The scheme utilized multi-level marketing tactics and showcased a lavish lifestyle to build credibility before collapsing when new investor funds could no longer cover payouts to earlier participants.
Leonardo Cositorto, the leader of Generación Zoe, was sentenced to 12 years in prison in Argentina in 2025. Cositorto stated that González fled with the 611 Bitcoin after the scheme's collapse. Reports indicate González had previously introduced Cositorto to trading algorithms she claimed had "quantum security" and could generate returns up to 70% per month.
The extradition and repatriation of González face complications due to diplomatic tensions between Argentina and Venezuela, which deteriorated following the 2024 Venezuelan elections. Interpol authorities have warned that her return will not be a straightforward process. The seizure of the $56 million in Bitcoin highlights both the challenges and opportunities in investigating crypto-related crimes, as blockchain's transparency aids forensic tracing but converting seized digital assets into recoverable fiat for victim restitution remains complex.
This case has acted as a catalyst for regulatory discussions in Argentina, potentially accelerating legislation for greater transparency, custody requirements, and licensing for crypto-based financial products to protect investors from similar sophisticated, cross-border frauds.
