The CEO of a Florida cryptocurrency firm has been accused of orchestrating a massive Ponzi scheme that allegedly defrauded investors of at least $328 million.
Christopher Alexander Delgado, 34, of Apopka, was arrested Tuesday on federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Delgado is the founder, president and CEO of Goliath Ventures, formerly known as Gen Z Venture Firm, headquartered in Orlando.
Prosecutors allege Delgado operated the scheme from January 2023 through January 2026 by promising investors high monthly returns through cryptocurrency “liquidity pools.” Authorities say while the company raised at least $328 million, only about $1 million was actually invested in such pools.
Instead, investigators allege the funds were used to pay earlier investors, cover withdrawal requests, finance extravagant company events and luxury travel, and support Delgado’s personal lifestyle. Court records show he purchased residential properties in Windermere, Winter Park, Kissimmee and Sanford valued between $1.15 million and $8.5 million.
According to prosecutors, Delgado cultivated an image of legitimacy through luxury events, professional marketing materials and charitable sponsorships. One investor from Seminole County reported losing approximately $720,000 after entering into what was described as a “joint venture agreement” that falsely claimed funds would be placed into liquidity pools.
Delgado was also publicly associated with charitable causes. He pledged to donate $2 million to the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, founded by David Siegel and Jacqueline Siegel, for its Angel Army drug prevention initiative. The organization confirmed it received $250,000 from Delgado and has not spent the funds while the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities say when investors began requesting withdrawals in late 2025, the company delayed payments and eventually restricted access to account information. Investigators also allege Delgado and others provided fabricated investment statements to conceal the scheme.
Beyond business ventures, Delgado previously ran for a seat on the Orange County Board of Commissioners in 2022 but finished third. He also publicly stated he attended the signing of the HALT Fentanyl Act at the White House.
Delgado made his initial court appearance Tuesday. A federal judge granted his release from custody pending further proceedings.
