Argentine Crypto Fugitive With $56 Million In Bitcoin Caught In Venezuela

TLDR

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Rosa González was arrested in Venezuela with 611 Bitcoin tied to a massive Argentine crypto fraud.
She played a central role in the Generación Zoe Ponzi scheme promising high crypto returns.
González evaded capture for years while launching a new scam that defrauded more investors.
Her extradition is uncertain as Argentina and Venezuela no longer have diplomatic ties.

Rosa María González, a central figure in one of Argentina’s largest crypto frauds, has been arrested in Venezuela after years on the run. Accused of fleeing with 611 Bitcoin—now worth $56 million—González played a key role in the collapse of Generación Zoe, a scheme that misled thousands with promises of high returns. Her capture marks a major development in an international investigation still seeking justice for defrauded investors.

Interpol Captures Key Generación Zoe Figure in San Cristóbal

Venezuelan authorities have arrested Rosa María González, 30, in San Cristóbal, Táchira state, after a joint operation with Interpol. She had been on the run since the collapse of the Argentine crypto firm Generación Zoe in mid-2022.

González allegedly fled Argentina with 611 Bitcoin, which is worth around $56 million at today’s rates. Authorities say she changed homes frequently and traveled with private security before entering Venezuela.

The arrest comes nearly one year after Leonardo Cositorto, the founder of Generación Zoe, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. The case involved thousands of investors across Latin America, many of whom lost their savings in the scheme.

Role in the Generación Zoe Fraud Scheme

Investigators say González helped design the trading algorithms that formed the basis of the fraudulent investment promises. She promoted the scheme in online videos, claiming the algorithm could generate monthly returns of up to 70%.

These claims were false. Authorities say the company operated a Ponzi scheme, using money from new investors to pay earlier ones. Reports from the Argentine government say over 80,000 people may have been affected by the scam.

According to prosecutors, González was one of the first to leave the country once the investigation began. She reportedly took crypto wallets and sensitive data and stayed hidden while continuing online activities linked to new schemes.

Attempt to Launch a New Crypto Project

After the Generación Zoe collapse, González allegedly tried to start a new crypto investment operation. Reports say she promised returns of 5% per month on investments starting at $1,000.

She used companies claimed to be based in the UK and operated through Venezuelan contacts. Early findings show this new plan defrauded at least 12 investors, with losses estimated around $300,000.

Some of her former associates were allegedly paid to help manage the scheme and recruit new investors in South America. This continued until authorities tracked her movements to Táchira and coordinated the arrest.

Challenges in Extradition to Argentina

Although Interpol issued a red notice, returning González to Argentina may prove difficult.
Argentina cut all diplomatic ties with Venezuela in 2024, leaving no embassy in Caracas.

Brazil, which was handling diplomatic relations on Argentina’s behalf, also ended that arrangement recently. Interpol officials said it is unsafe to send Argentine police into Venezuela for extradition procedures.

Leonardo Cositorto, now in prison, has urged González to cooperate with investigators.
He said in a statement, “Her cooperation could help locate some of the stolen funds.”

Sources close to the case say she may have been manipulated into the fraud, but prosecutors remain focused on her active role. Authorities continue to investigate possible crypto assets linked to her across multiple countries.