- Qian Zhimin accused of laundering over 60,000 BTC.
- Bitcoin seized valued at ยฃ5 billion.
- Case highlights growing scrutiny on crypto-related crimes.
Qian Zhimin, the main suspect in a money laundering case involving over 60,000 Bitcoins, was sentenced to 11 years and 8 months in prison in the UK. The Bitcoins, now valued at approximately ยฃ5 billion, remain under law enforcement control.
The UK High Courtโs hearing of Qian Zhimin underscores the expanding focus on cryptocurrency crimes and their legal ramifications.
Qian Zhimin is central to a money laundering case involving more than 60,000 BTC, valued around ยฃ5 billion at seizure. She orchestrated a fraud scheme in China, converting proceeds into Bitcoin.
2025 Sentencing
In 2025, Qian received an 11-year sentence for her involvement, while accomplice Seng Hok Ling was sentenced to nearly five years. The UK Court Hears Bitcoin Money Laundering Case Against Qian Zhimin highlights the expanding scrutiny on cryptocurrency crime.
Authoritiesโ legal proceedings have avoided market liquidity shocks, with seized Bitcoin held by UK law enforcement. The event calls attention to enhanced regulatory efforts against crypto-linked illicit flows.
โOrganized crime groups are increasingly using cryptocurrency to move, hide, and invest the profits of serious crime, but every crypto transaction leaves a trace, and the Met works meticulously with partners to follow that digital trail, identify assets, and bring offenders to justice.โ โ Will Lyne, Head of the Metโs Economic and Cybercrime Command, Metropolitan Police
Law enforcement leaders stress the importance of tracing crypto transactions to combat crime, reflecting increased efforts to regulate digital currencies. The outcome may influence future asset dispositions and market dynamics.
The involvement of European authorities showcases an intensified regulatory environment, aiming to address growing concerns over cryptoโs use in money laundering. If legal outcomes prompt asset sales, market impact could ensue.