Vladimir Okhotnikov
Identified by U.S. prosecutors as the operational leader of Forsage, a 'DeFi' platform they call a ~$340M Ponzi and pyramid scheme. He was indicted in the U.S. in 2023 (charges pending) and, per reporting, was convicted in absentia in Georgia in 2024.
Also known as: Lado, Vladimir Okhotnikov
Note: Vladimir Okhotnikov is charged in the U.S. but has not been tried there; the U.S. allegations are unproven.
Bio
Vladimir Okhotnikov (a/k/a "Lado") is described by U.S. prosecutors as the operational leader of Forsage, a self-described decentralized "smart contract" investment platform launched in 2019 on Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, and Tron. The DOJ and SEC allege Forsage was actually a Ponzi and pyramid scheme that took in roughly $340 million from investors worldwide. [1][2]
Status
On February 22, 2023, a U.S. grand jury indicted Okhotnikov and three co-defendants on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; the case remains pending and Okhotnikov is reported to have fled to Dubai. Reporting (ICIJ) indicates a court in Tbilisi, Georgia sentenced him in absentia in 2024 to 10 years for laundering Forsage proceeds. [1][2]
Bracketed numbers refer to the numbered sources listed below.
Linked scams & cases
Sources (2)
See also
- Bitcoin Latinum (LTNM)TokensA ~$16M token offering (SAFTs for 'Bitcoin Latinum' / LTNM) that the SEC charged in 2026 as fraud: founder Donald Basile falsely called LTNM 'the world's first insured digital asset' backed by an 'existing trust,' neither of which existed, and diverted investor funds for personal use (including a $160,000 horse).
- Loci (LOCIcoin)TokensA 2017–2018 ICO for 'LOCIcoin' tied to the InnVenn IP-search platform. The SEC charged Loci and CEO John Wise with fraud for raising $7.6M on false claims about revenue, headcount, and user base; Wise also misused investor funds. Settled with a $7.6M penalty and an officer/director bar.
- Blockchain Terminal (BCT)Tokens
This page was last updated on Jun 8, 2026. View revision history.