Ethical Hacking News
The infamous "Bitcoin Queen," Zhimin Qian, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for her role in laundering $7.3 billion worth of cryptocurrency from a massive crypto scam that defrauded over 128,000 victims in China. This landmark case highlights the severity of international crypto laundering and the determination of law enforcement agencies worldwide to bring such culprits to justice.
Zhimin Qian, also known as the "Bitcoin Queen," has been sentenced to 11 years and eight months in prison for her role in laundering $7.3 billion worth of cryptocurrency from a massive crypto scam. The operation, which began in 2018, was the largest such seizure worldwide, totaling £5.5 billion (approximately $7.39 billion) in cryptocurrency. The investigation uncovered Qian's illicit activities and led to the conviction of multiple accomplices, including Jian Wen and Seng Hok Ling. The case has been hailed as a landmark moment in the global effort to combat international crypto laundering.
In a shocking turn of events, Zhimin Qian, also known as the "Bitcoin Queen," has been sentenced to 11 years and eight months in prison for her role in laundering $7.3 billion worth of cryptocurrency from a massive crypto scam that defrauded over 128,000 victims in China.
According to reports, Qian's illicit activities were uncovered by UK authorities in September 2024, when they raided her London home and confiscated £5.5 billion (approximately $7.39 billion) in cryptocurrency, totaling 61,000 Bitcoin. This massive seizure is believed to be the largest such operation worldwide.
The Metropolitan Police described the operation as a "seven-year ongoing investigation into international money laundering," which has finally led to the conviction of Qian for offenses related to the acquisition and possession of illicit cryptocurrency. In a statement, Dan Jarvis, Security Minister, highlighted the severity of crypto crimes, stating that "money laundering isn't just against the law; it puts real people at risk and lines the pockets of criminals."
The investigation into Qian's activities began in 2018, when police started probing her alleged involvement in a fraud scheme that duped over 128,000 victims in China between 2014 and 2017. The scam promised daily dividends and guaranteed profits, which Qian converted into Bitcoin with the help of an accomplice, Jian Wen.
Wen, who assisted in moving a wallet holding 150 Bitcoin, was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison for his role in the scheme. In January, a court ordered her to repay over £3.1 million (approximately $4.1 million) or face extra prison time. The case has been hailed as a landmark moment in the global effort to combat international crypto laundering.
The Met's Head of Economic and Cybercrime Command, Will Lyne, praised the team for their tireless efforts, stating that the case was "among our largest economic crime probes." He highlighted that crypto crimes leave behind digital traces that can be used to track offenders, making it easier for law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to justice.
The British government is also facing pressure from China over this record-breaking crypto fraud fortune. The £5.5 billion (approximately $7.39 billion) seized in the operation is expected to play a significant role in budget plans for London.
In addition to Qian's conviction, an accomplice, Seng Hok Ling, was sentenced to nearly five years for transferring illicit cryptocurrency under the Proceeds of Crime Act. This landmark case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of international crypto laundering and the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to combat such crimes.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/The-Bitcoin-Queens-Descent-into-Darkness-A-73-Billion-Crypto-Laundering-Scheme-ehn.shtml
https://securityaffairs.com/184521/cyber-crime/7-3b-crypto-laundering-bitcoin-queen-sentenced-to-11-years-in-uk.html
Published: Wed Nov 12 02:30:10 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
