Polish national detained in Montenegro over massive fraud allegations

Podgorica, August 18, 2024 –  In a significant international law enforcement operation, a Polish citizen has been arrested in Podgorica, Montenegro, on charges of orchestrating a multimillion-dollar fraud. Roman Zimian, 51, was taken into custody following an extensive investigation led by Montenegrin authorities in coordination with Interpol. His arrest comes as Poland and South Korea had both issued international warrants for his apprehension.

Zimian is accused of defrauding individuals in Poland and South Korea to the tune of approximately $21 million. He was discovered hiding under a false identity in a newly developed residential area in Podgorica. The suspect is associated with "Future Net," a fund involved in digital and cryptocurrency trading. FutureNet, founded by Zimian and Stefan Morgenstern in 2014, later expanded to include FutureAdPRO and a new digital currency, FuturoCoin.

Following his arrest on August 17, Montenegrin police, in conjunction with Interpol’s National Central Bureau in Podgorica, executed searches at Zimian’s residence. They seized various technical devices and items believed to be related to his alleged criminal activities.

Zimian faces serious charges including large-scale fraud, money laundering, theft, and violations of financial laws, with potential penalties including life imprisonment in South Korea. His business partner, S.M., was previously detained in Greece and Albania. Zimian had also been arrested in Italy in 2022 but escaped from house arrest.