British Athlete Involved in Olympic Doping Scandal, Now Jailed for Crypto Scam
British sprinter CJ Ujah is one among 10 suspects charged in a UK crypto fraud probe. Authorities say victims misplaced pockets funds to phone-based deception.
Ujah, 32, was charged with conspiracy to defraud after raids by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit. The operation spanned Kent, Essex, and London. He was granted bail till 28 May at Chelmsford Crown Court.
From Doping Ban to Fraud Charges
The costs landed 4 years after Ujah’s profession was disrupted by a 22-month doping ban tied to Tokyo 2020.
The Athletics Integrity Unit blamed a contaminated £10 ($13.63) beta-alanine complement purchased throughout the Covid-19 lockdown. He was later cleared of intentional doping.
That redemption narrative carried him via to the 100 m semi-finals on the 2024 European Championships in Rome. Ujah had not raced since April 2025 earlier than this case emerged.
He ran the primary leg when Great Britain gained the 4x100m relay on the 2017 World Championships. That proved to be Usain Bolt’s closing race.
How the Alleged Scam Worked
Investigators say members of the organised group posed as cops and representatives of a crypto firm. They pressured victims to share pockets seed phrases. One particular person reportedly misplaced greater than £300,000 ($408,895).
Such impersonation tactics have surged across the industry. The Regional Organised Crime Unit warned that real police and crypto companies by no means request seed phrases by telephone. They additionally by no means demand gadget entry or pressing transfers.
Fellow British sprinter Brandon Mingeli, 25, was additionally charged. He represented Great Britain on the U23 stage in 2021 and stays remanded in custody.
British Athletics has not commented publicly on the case. Both Ujah and his 9 co-defendants are presumed harmless. The 28 May listening to will seemingly form whether or not Ujah’s comeback continues.
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