中国女子认罪比特币史上最大骗局，受害者约13万人！缴获比特币将被英国没收？

Core Insights - A significant breakthrough occurred in a major cryptocurrency crime case in the UK, where Qian Zhimin, a Chinese national, admitted to money laundering in court, linked to a massive investment fraud case in China involving approximately 130,000 victims and illegal fundraising of 43 billion RMB [1][3][11] - The case has led to one of the largest cryptocurrency seizures in history, with over 61,000 bitcoins valued at nearly $7 billion at current market prices [1][7][11] - The ownership of the seized bitcoins has become a focal point, raising questions about whether they will be returned to the victims in China or appropriated by the UK government [7][8][11] Case Background - The fraudulent scheme orchestrated by Qian Zhimin took place between 2014 and 2017, where she sold high-yield investment products to over 128,000 investors, promising returns of 100% to 300% [3] - Following the crackdown on cryptocurrencies in China, Qian converted the illicit funds into bitcoins and fled to the UK in 2018, where she attempted to launder the money through luxury real estate and jewelry purchases [3][4] Investigation and Legal Proceedings - The investigation, described as "arduous," involved multiple jurisdictions and complex cryptocurrency tracking, ultimately leading to the seizure of over 61,000 bitcoins from Qian's electronic wallets [4][11] - Qian's accomplice, Jian Wen, was sentenced to over six years in prison for money laundering, while Qian has admitted to holding and transferring criminal property but denied any fraudulent actions [4][7] Ownership and Legal Challenges - The legal battle over the ownership of the seized bitcoins is complicated by the lack of an extradition treaty between the UK and China, making it difficult for victims to claim their losses [7][8] - Legal experts suggest that Chinese investors will face significant challenges in proving their rights to the bitcoins in UK courts, requiring extensive evidence and complex legal processes [7] Potential Implications for the UK - The seizure of the bitcoins could potentially double the UK's existing bitcoin holdings, raising discussions about the establishment of a "UK Bitcoin Reserve" to enhance national financial strength [8] - The case highlights the broader implications for international law, asset management, and cryptocurrency regulation, as it may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future [11]