Met Police Snatch Record £5.5 Billion Bitcoin Haul
The Met Police have just made history with the biggest cryptocurrency seizure ever — a staggering £5.5 billion in Bitcoin. After a relentless seven-year investigation, their Economic Crime team caught 45-year-old Zhimin Qian for masterminding a massive global money laundering scam.
Qian’s Epic Bitcoin Fraud Uncovered
- From 2014 to 2017, Qian scammed over 128,000 victims in China.
- She laundered her loot into 61,000 Bitcoin.
- Qian dodged the law by fleeing to the UK with forged documents.
- In 2018, she tried to clean the dirty cash through UK property deals with her accomplice Jian Wen.
Guilty Plea Sparks Police Praise
At Southwark Crown Court on 29 September, Qian admitted her crimes, including acquiring and possessing criminal property linked to cryptocurrency.
Will Lyne, Head of Economic and Cybercrime Command, said: “Today’s guilty plea marks the culmination of years of dedicated investigation by the Met’s Economic Crime teams and our partners. This is among the largest money laundering and cryptocurrency cases worldwide.”
Detective Sergeant Isabella Grotto, who led the investigation, added: “Tracking down Qian after five years on the run and building a cross-border case took relentless teamwork. We’re proud to deliver justice for thousands of victims.”
Accomplice Jian Wen Sentenced
Qian’s partner-in-crime Jian Wen was jailed last year for nearly seven years. He helped move a crypto wallet containing 150 Bitcoin — worth £1.7 million at the time.
Met Police Take Down Crypto Crime with Cutting-Edge Tech
This record-breaking conviction showcases how the Met’s high-tech methods and international teamwork are smashing serious organised crime linked to cryptocurrency. For more on the Met’s latest crime-fighting moves, check out their london">A New Met for London initiative.
