Fraud Mastermind Zhimin Qian Sentenced to 11 Years for $6.6 Billion Bitcoin Ponzi Scheme

Summary

Zhimin Qian, known globally as the “Crypto Queen” or “Bitcoin Queen,” has been sentenced to 11 years and 8 months in prison for running a massive $6.6 billion cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme and laundering 61,000 Bitcoins. This landmark case is one of the largest money laundering operations in UK history.

The Rise and Fall of Zhimin Qian

Between 2014 and 2017, Zhimin Qian operated a sophisticated crypto investment scam under her company Lantian Gerui (Blue Sky), in China.

She promised investors unrealistic returns between 100% and 300%, claiming profits from a proprietary digital token.

The scheme attracted over 128,000 victims, many of whom invested their life savings. In total, Qian raised approximately $5.6 billion (40–43 billion yuan).

When Chinese authorities began investigating, she fled the country, crossing into Myanmar by motorbike and later traveling through Thailand, Laos, and Malaysia, before arriving in London in September 2017 under a fake St. Kitts and Nevis passport under the alias “Zhang Yadi.”

(Metropolitan Police/Reuters)

Lavish Lifestyle and Bitcoin Laundering in London

In London, Qian rented a £17,000-per-month mansion in Hampstead and began converting stolen funds into cryptocurrency and assets.

She collaborated with Jian Wen, a former restaurant worker who later received 6 years and 8 months in prison for assisting in crypto money laundering.

Together, they traveled across Europe, spending extravagantly on luxury hotels, jewelry, and designer goods, including two watches worth £120,000 purchased in Zurich.

(The North London Property)

Timeline of Key Events in the Zhimin Qian Bitcoin Scam

One of the Largest Crypto Seizures in History

In 2018, a suspicious Bitcoin real estate deal drew the attention of British authorities. A subsequent raid uncovered devices containing 61,000 Bitcoins — now worth over $6.6 billion USD, which marks one of the largest crypto seizures ever recorded.

Despite the seizure, it took police until 2021 to decrypt and access the digital wallets.

After six years in hiding, Qian was arrested in April 2024 in northern England, living under an assumed identity with help from accomplices, including Seng Hok Ling, a Malaysian national sentenced to 4 years and 11 months for assisting with the laundering scheme.

Seng Hok Ling (Metropolitan Police)

Bring to the Judgment

At her sentencing in November 2025, Qians defense lawyer, Roger Sahota, claimed she “never intended to defraud anyone,” but admitted that her investment programs were deceptive and apologized to the victims.

Will Lyne, Head of the Economic and Cyber Crime Command of the London Police, commented:

“This is one of the largest money laundering cases in UK history and possibly the most valuable cryptocurrency-related criminal case in the world.”

Investor Alert: WikiFX Recommendations to Avoid Crypto Scams

The Zhimin Qian crypto fraud serves as a stark warning to investors navigating the volatile digital asset market.

To help investors avoid similar traps, we remind you that:

1. Beware of Unrealistic Profit Promises

Schemes offering guaranteed returns of 100–300% are almost always fraudulent. Always verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunity.

2. Prioritize Transparency and Regulation

Only trade with brokers and platforms that are licensed by recognized regulators and provide verifiable ownership and address details.

3. Use Trusted Verification Tools

WikiFX enable investors to check broker ratings, verify regulatory licenses, and identify red flags early before making financial commitments.

Final Thoughts

Zhimin Qians conviction is a critical reminder that greed and ignorance remain the biggest risks in crypto investing. Behind every “get-rich-quick” opportunity may lie a complex fraud designed to exploit trust and technology.