Michaela
Zhimin Qian, also known as Yadi Zhang, a Chinese national, has admitted guilt in orchestrating a massive crypto investment fraud in China that defrauded more than 128,000 people and led to the seizure of over £5 billion (around $6.7 billion) in Bitcoin (BTC), marking the largest cryptocurrency recovery in history.
Key points:
- Zhimin Qian pleaded guilty to a massive crypto investment fraud in China, defrauding over 128,000 people and leading to the seizure of 61,000 BTC (~$6.7B).
- Qian fled to the UK and attempted to launder the funds via property purchases, aided by accomplice Jian Wen; victims were promised high returns and daily dividends.
- UK authorities must decide how to handle the Bitcoin, weighing victim compensation, fiscal uses, and market risks, with legal proceedings possibly stretching into 2027.
The UK Metropolitan Police confirmed that Qian pleaded guilty to acquiring and possessing cryptocurrency obtained through criminal activity. She is believed to have orchestrated the large-scale investment fraud.
The scheme reportedly took place in China from 2014 to 2017, with the stolen funds converted into Bitcoin, totaling 61,000 BTC now seized by UK authorities. The Metropolitan Police launched their investigation in 2018 after receiving a tip about suspicious digital asset transfers.
Qian later fled China for the UK using forged documents. In September 2018, she attempted to launder the stolen funds by purchasing property, aided by an accomplice, Jian Wen, a former Chinese takeaway worker who assisted in moving the illicit assets.
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Court documents revealed that Qian attracted many victims with promises of daily dividends and high returns, capitalizing on China’s strong interest in crypto at the time. Her company presented itself as an innovative financial firm, targeting professionals and retirees, and claimed to align with China’s goal of becoming a global fintech leader.
Following Qian’s arrest, UK authorities are reportedly deliberating on how to handle the substantial Bitcoin seizure.
Related: The History of Altcoins: How Bitcoin’s Rivals Changed the Crypto Game
According to the Financial Times, some victims’ lawyers are pushing for compensation based on Bitcoin’s current value, not the original investments, citing lost savings and prolonged delays. Meanwhile, Treasury officials are exploring whether the seized crypto might offset budgetary pressures, though experts caution the case’s legal battles could continue well into 2027.
UK authorities now confront the complex task of selling the massive Bitcoin holdings without disrupting the market. Given the crypto sector’s notorious volatility, the eventual value of the seized assets could swing significantly before a final resolution is reached.
The investment fraud case has also reignited discussions about international cooperation in tackling crypto crime. Experts note that cross-border coordination between regulators, law enforcement, and financial institutions is essential to tracing stolen digital assets and preventing similar large-scale frauds in the future. As the situation develops, the outcome may set new precedents for how authorities handle multi-billion-dollar crypto seizures and the balance between victim restitution and public interest.
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MICHAELA
Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.
