Sprinter CJ Ujah charged in UK cryptocurrency fraud probe

British sprinter CJ Ujah, 32, has been charged with conspiracy to defraud after an investigation into an alleged organised cryptocurrency scam that prompted raids across Kent, Essex and London. Ujah is one of 10 people charged. He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court and was granted bail to return on May 28.

Police said the operation was led by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit. Investigators allege the suspects used phone calls to impersonate police officers and staff from cryptocurrency firms, pressuring victims to reveal wallet seed phrases and hand over access to digital wallets. One victim reportedly lost more than £300,000.

The Regional Organised Crime Unit warned, “genuine police and crypto firms never request seed phrases by phone,” adding that legitimate authorities will not ask for device access or demand urgent transfers during a call. Police declined to disclose a total figure for alleged losses beyond individual reports.

Among the charged is 25-year-old Brandon Mingeli, a former under-23 British sprinter, who remains remanded in custody. Both Ujah and the nine co-defendants are presumed innocent while legal proceedings continue.

Ujah’s involvement in the investigation comes four years after a 22-month suspension following a positive test linked to a contaminated beta-alanine supplement bought during the COVID-19 lockdown; the Athletics Integrity Unit said there was no evidence of intentional doping. He returned to competition, reaching the 100-meter semifinals at the 2024 European Championships in Rome and running the first leg for Great Britain’s 4x100m relay victory at the 2017 World Championships.

Ujah had not raced since April 2025 before his arrest became public. British Athletics has not issued a comment. The May 28 hearing will determine the next court steps and whether prosecutors will seek to freeze or recover assets connected to the alleged scheme.