💰✨ £5.5B in Bitcoin Seized by Met Police
The Metropolitan Police have achieved the world’s largest crypto seizure, confiscating 61,000 Bitcoin valued at more than £5.5 billion. The case marks a historic milestone in the UK’s fight against crypto money laundering and financial crime.
👩⚖️ Key Figures in the Conviction
Zhimin Qian, also known as Yadi Zhang, pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to acquiring and holding criminal property in cryptocurrency. Her associate, Hok Seng Ling, admitted to transferring illicit assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Both convictions set a legal precedent for the handling of digital asset crimes in the UK.
🔍💻 How the Fraud and Laundering Scheme Operated
The investigation traced back to a massive fraud in China between 2014 and 2017, which defrauded over 128,000 victims. Qian allegedly fled China using false documents before laundering proceeds through UK property purchases and cryptocurrency wallets, with Ling acting as a crucial intermediary.
🌍🤝 International Law Enforcement Collaboration
Arrests took place in April 2024, leading to the recovery of encrypted devices, gold, cash, and additional crypto assets valued at £11 million. The case relied heavily on cross-border cooperation between the Met Police, Chinese authorities, the National Crime Agency, and the Crown Prosecution Service, highlighting the global nature of crypto crime.
⚖️📅 Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Met Police officials described the conviction as one of the largest money-laundering prosecutions in UK history. Sentencing for Qian and Ling is scheduled for 10–11 November 2025 at Southwark Crown Court, where the scale of their crimes is expected to weigh heavily on their final judgments.
🔑🚨 Top 3 Takeaways
- 💵 World’s Largest Crypto Seizure – Over £5.5B in Bitcoin confiscated by UK authorities.
- 👩 High-Profile Convictions – Zhimin Qian and Hok Seng Ling found guilty of laundering digital assets.
- 🌐 Global Cooperation – Case solved through international collaboration and advanced cybercrime investigation.
Disclaimer: Digital News & Investigative Reports (DNIR) provides news and analysis for informational purposes only and does not offer financial, legal, or investment advice.
