Haciyev Reşit 
One of the largest cryptocurrency operations in the history of the United Kingdom has reached its conclusion. Chinese national Zhimin Qian (also known as Yadi Zhang) has admitted to owning 61,000 Bitcoin (worth approximately $6.75 billion). The case, heard at Southwark Crown Court in London, has unveiled a massive money laundering and fraud scheme conducted through cryptocurrencies.
World’s Largest Crypto Seizure: 61,000 BTC
The U.K. Metropolitan Police raided Qian’s London residence in 2018, seizing digital wallets containing 61,000 BTC — a haul worth around $6.75 billion at today’s prices. It marks the largest crypto asset seizure in U.K. history.
This record even surpasses the U.S. Department of Justice’s 94,000 BTC recovery linked to the Bitfinex hack. Detective Sergeant Isabella Grotto from the Metropolitan Police commented:
“The arrest of Zhimin Qian and her accomplices is the result of close international cooperation between the U.K. and Chinese authorities. This case clearly demonstrates how crypto fraud has evolved into a global threat.”
Zhimin Qian: From “Goddess of Wealth” to Convicted Fraudster
Between 2014 and 2017, Qian operated a fraudulent investment firm named Tianjin Lantian Gerui Electronic Technology, defrauding over 128,000 investors and amassing roughly £5 billion. She promised returns of up to 300%, luring thousands into the scam.
To conceal the stolen funds, Qian converted the money into Bitcoin and fled China in 2017, entering the U.K. illegally using fake documents. She purchased a £5 million mansion in Hampstead Heath, invested $675,000 in Dubai real estate, and lived lavishly. Victims idolized her as a “Goddess of Wealth,” but police raids exposed the reality a sophisticated web of deception. Court records show that Qian also possessed luxury jewelry, gold bars, and £11 million in cash, all bought with illicit funds.
Operation Details: A 7-Year International Pursuit
The Metropolitan Police launched the investigation in 2018 after detecting suspicious money transfers. Digital forensic evidence traced fund movements across China, the UAE, and the U.K. Detective Sergeant Grotto highlighted the complexity of the case:
“Zhimin Qian evaded justice for five years. This seven-year investigation involved thousands of documents and cross-border cooperation. In the end, we were able to prove the origins of the criminal proceeds.”
Qian was arrested in April 2024, alongside Hok Seng Ling, who also pleaded guilty to money laundering. Another accomplice, Jian Wen, was sentenced to 6 years and 8 months in prison for using 150 Bitcoin (worth £12.5 million) derived from the fraud.
U.K.–China Cooperation: Cross-Border Justice
This case stands as one of the most complex international crypto investigations ever conducted. The collaboration between the U.K. and China has set an important precedent for tackling cryptocurrency-based money laundering.
Sentencing for Qian and Ling is scheduled for November 10, 2025. The court has yet to decide whether the seized 61,000 BTC will be returned to victims or transferred to the U.K. state reserves. Meanwhile, victims are preparing a class-action lawsuit representing 128,000 individuals.
A Historic Case and a Global Warning
The Zhimin Qian case is seen as a landmark in the global fight against crypto-related crimes. The seizure of 61,000 Bitcoin proves that digital assets can be traced and that justice can eventually prevail. Authorities are expected to determine the final disposition of the assets in the November hearing. However, one fact is already clear: the cryptocurrency market is no longer a “digital Wild West.” It now operates under the growing influence of international regulation, transparency, and legal enforcement.
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