Zhimin Qian, 47, deceived over 128,000 people in China before laundering stolen cryptocurrency through UK property purchases.
UK courts convicted Qian for a central role in Bitcoin fraud linked to the world’s largest cryptocurrency seizure, valued at £5.5 billion.
Also known as Yadi Zhang, Qian admitted at Southwark Crown Court to acquiring and holding illegal cryptocurrency.
Years of Deception and Flight
Police confirmed her plea followed a seven-year international money laundering investigation.
Between 2014 and 2017, Qian ran a vast fraud in China, targeting more than 128,000 victims and converting their money into Bitcoin.
She escaped China with false documents, entered the UK, and attempted to hide her criminal gains by buying property in late 2018.
Police seized 61,000 Bitcoins from Qian, marking one of the largest asset seizures in UK history.
Legal Outcomes and Warnings
Will Lyne, head of economic and cybercrime command, emphasized the global significance of this high-value cryptocurrency case.
Authorities had earlier jailed Jian Wen, 43, for six years and eight months for aiding Qian in the fraud.
Courts will sentence Qian later, following her conviction.
Robin Weyell of the Crown Prosecution Service warned that organized criminals increasingly exploit cryptocurrencies to disguise and transfer wealth.
She pledged that the CPS would block fraudsters from regaining their stolen assets through confiscation and civil proceedings.
