I don't see either of those as at all synonymous with "central actor".
I would consider all the founders and early investors who knowingly promote the ponzi scheme as con artists.
I google the definition to charitably give your argument the benefit of the doubt. I don't see how you think phrases like the following make for effective communication or a strong argument:
> If you're having to google the definition of the term maybe there's still a little more you need to learn about it.