OneCoin’s Mark Scott has secured release pending the outcome of his appeal.
Scott headed up OneCoin’s money laundering operations in the US. He was convicted in 2019 and finally sentenced to ten years in prison back in January.
After failing to secure a new trial in late 2023, Scott (right) appealed his sentencing in February. A decision on the appeal remains pending.
Standard procedure would be for Scott to be taken into custody pending the outcome of his appeal. On March 26th, Scott moved for permission to remain out on bail.
The DOJ opposed Scott’s motion, arguing he was a flight risk. This is based on Scott holding dual US and German citizenship. Like many countries, Germany does not extradite its own citizens.
The DOJ also argued that Scott’s appeal was yet another delay tactic. For one reason or another, Scott has managed to drag out his case since he was originally indicted back in August 2018.
Taking Scott’s undisclosed medical conditions into consideration, the court overruled the DOJ’s concerns.
Based on the record before the Court, given Scott’s medical conditions and because he has not been charged with a violent crime, the Court does not find that Scott is likely to flee or pose a danger to the safety of any other person or the community if allowed to remain on bail.
The Court believes it is quite doubtful that Scott will obtain a reversal or new trial on both counts. But the Court cannot say that the questions are frivolous.
The Court does not find that the appeal is for purposes of delay.
Accordingly, Scott will remain out on bail pending a decision on his appeal. There is no timeline for this.