International Operation: How Investigators Uncovered the Largest Bitcoin Scam

FUD_Vaccinated · 2026-01-13T08:27:44+00:00

British courts have sentenced Qian Zhimin, also known as Yadi Zhang, to over 11 years for orchestrating a massive cryptocurrency fraud, causing a loss of $5.6 billion to tens of thousands of victims. The case highlights the challenges of crypto-related crimes and the efforts to repatriate seized assets to affected investors.

FUD_Vaccinated

2026-01-13 08:27:44

Abstract generation in progress

British courts have delivered a long-awaited verdict in one of the most high-profile cases of crypto fraud. Qian Zhimin, known by the pseudonym Yadi Zhang, was sentenced to 11 years and 8 months in prison for organizing a large-scale investment scam that affected tens of thousands of citizens.

The scale of the crime is staggering

The total loss amounted to 40 billion yuan, equivalent to $5.6 billion USD. This is not just a figure in a criminal case — it represents tens of thousands of people who lost their savings. The criminal used a complex money laundering system to hide the sources of funds and legitimize assets obtained illegally.

Crypto assets as a tool for crime

The most shocking aspect of the case involves the purchase of 61,000 bitcoins with laundered money. This became the largest confiscated crypto reserve in British justice history. The value of the seized assets is currently estimated at approximately $6.4 billion — a figure that demonstrates the scale of the operation and why crypto fraud attracts the attention of modern criminals.

From escape to justice

Zhimin did not stop at fraudulent schemes. She fled China with a fake passport, crossing borders of several countries in an attempt to evade justice. However, her arrest in the UK put an end to her flight. Investigators found that she was purchasing luxury real estate and art objects, financing an ambitious project to create the so-called Liberland state.

Asset recovery — a new phase

The UK law enforcement agencies are now working on repatriating the confiscated assets to the affected investors. This case has become an important milestone in the fight against crypto fraud and demonstrates that international cooperation among law enforcement can bring even the most sophisticated criminals to justice.

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