The CEO of an Orlando-based cryptocurrency firm is facing serious allegations after federal prosecutors announced that he is accused of orchestrating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors out of at least $328 million. Christopher Alexander Delgado, 34, from Apopka, was arrested on charges of wire fraud and money laundering, as confirmed in a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice. Delgado has garnered attention not only for his role as founder, president, and CEO of Goliath Ventures, a blockchain company located in downtown Orlando, but also for his philanthropic endeavors in the Central Florida community.
Prosecutors claim that Delgado ran the fraudulent operation from January 2023 until January 2026, enticing victims to invest large amounts under false pretenses, promising monthly returns generated from cryptocurrency “liquidity pools.” Many individuals were lured into the scheme based on their trust in Delgado’s public persona and his connections to various charities and community events, which led them to believe in Goliath’s credibility.
According to prosecutors, while Goliath Ventures fraudulently acquired over $328 million from investors, merely $1 million was ever allocated to an actual liquidity pool. The majority of the funds were reportedly channeled toward paying returns to earlier investors, refunding investors who requested their principal back, and lavish business events, holidays, and luxury travels. Delgado himself is said to have used a portion of the funds for personal expenditures, including purchasing properties in Windermere, Winter Park, Kissimmee, and Sanford, with values ranging from $1.15 million to $8.5 million.
To conceal the scheme, Delgado and his associates employed various deceptive tactics, such as providing investors with falsified statements regarding their investments. As the scheme began to unravel in late 2025, when investors sought to withdraw their principal or expected returns, Goliath allegedly delayed payments, offered inconsistent explanations, and restricted access to crucial investment information.
One victim, a resident of Seminole County, revealed that he lost around $720,000 after being introduced to Goliath by an acquaintance who had reportedly invested roughly $1 million and was receiving steady returns. This led him to meet with a Goliath representative, who presented an opportunity to invest in liquidity pools. He later signed a “joint venture agreement” in June 2023, which falsely assured that his investment would be placed in such pools, a document that was also signed by Delgado.
Delgado’s community presence was amplified by his commitments to charitable causes, including a pledge to donate $2 million to the Angel Army drug abuse prevention initiative by the end of 2025. His involvement with local charities and his high-profile connections gave potential investors confidence in his integrity. Delgado often referenced personal motivations for his philanthropy, specifically mentioning his uncle’s battle with drug addiction. In addition to his philanthropic activities, he also claimed to participate in legislative discussions on new cryptocurrency laws while in Washington D.C.
Delgado made his initial court appearance following his arrest, at which time he was granted release from custody. His political aspirations are also noted, having made a unsuccessful bid for a position on the Orange County Board of Commissioners in 2022, where he finished in a distant third place.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications of Delgado’s alleged actions have sent shockwaves through the local community and raised significant concerns about the oversight of cryptocurrency investments.
