A federally convicted Ponzi schemer will spend 14+ years behind bars for his crimes, including fleeing before sentencing. Volodimyr Pigida, 49, of Miami, previously resided in Bellevue, Washington, and was found guilty of 26 felony counts, including conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, and bankruptcy fraud.
Pigida defrauded thousands of victims out of $11 million through his ‘work-at-home’ email scheme, Trend Sound Promoter. The scheme, operated with his wife Marina Bondarenko, promised big money for sending emails on behalf of Trend Sound, but in reality, only the initial investors were paid, while the rest were left with nothing.
According to court documents, Pigida and his wife used the scam profits to buy homes, expensive cars, and a yacht. Pigida failed to appear at his sentencing hearing in August 2023, prompting a warrant for his arrest. He was eventually found hiding in a secret room of a relative’s home in Parkland, Florida, after a three-hour standoff with police.
U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez described Pigida’s actions as an ‘extensive, elaborate, complex scheme’ that caused ‘immense harm’ to his victims. U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman said, “Accountability has been a long-time coming for Mr. Pigida. His refusal to accept responsibility for defrauding thousands of victims continues to this day and is reflected in the significant sentence imposed in this case.”
Pigida’s sentence includes 156 months for his fraud convictions and an additional 16 months for absconding before his original sentencing hearing. This brings the total to over 14 years in prison for the convicted Ponzi schemer.
Pigida’s wife, Marina Bondarenko, pleaded guilty to bankruptcy fraud in 2019 and was sentenced to 38 months in prison. The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with Assistant United States Attorney Philip Kopczynski prosecuting the case.
The sentencing of Pigida serves as a reminder of the consequences of committing white-collar crimes, and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. As U.S. Attorney Gorman noted, “Accountability has been a long-time coming for Mr. Pigida.”
The case highlights the complexities of Ponzi schemes and the devastating impact they can have on victims. It also shows the dedication of law enforcement agencies in pursuing justice, even in cases where perpetrators attempt to flee or hide.
As Pigida begins his sentence, victims and law enforcement agencies alike can take solace in the fact that he will face the consequences of his actions. The sentence serves as a warning to others who would engage in similar schemes, and a reminder that justice will be served in the end.”
Related Federal Cases
- Miami Scammer Pigida Gets 14+ Years for $11M Ponzi Scheme · Washington
- $15 Million Fake Law Firm Scheme: Terrylle Blackstone Pleads Guilty · Washington
- Yoga Boss Gumucio Gets 4 Years for $1M Tax Dodge · Washington
- Berg Co. Pays $3.3M in Bid-Rigging Scheme · New Mexico
- Bankruptcy Bandit: MD Man Gets 90 Months for $1.8M Scam · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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