The UK Bitcoin Seizure case has concluded with the sentencing of a woman who laundered over £5 billion in Bitcoin. Investigators traced her actions to a global investment scam, confirming her involvement in moving digital assets through the United Kingdom.
CPS Confirms Largest Cryptocurrency Recovery
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that authorities recovered nearly 61,000 Bitcoin, worth approximately £5 billion at the time. The funds were linked to an investment scam operating across China and Hong Kong before arriving in UK-based wallets.
The convicted woman, Jing Han, 42
During the investigation, investigators discovered multiple digital wallets connected to the convicted woman, Jing Han, 42, who attempted to claim the assets on behalf of another associate under international scrutiny. Officials confirmed she had full access to passwords and recovery phrases controlling the digital funds.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Law enforcement conducted a comprehensive raid, seizing electronic devices and documents linking Han to the movement of Bitcoin. The CPS stated this represented the largest digital asset recovery ever in the UK.
The Metropolitan Police Cyber Crime Unit and specialist financial crime teams were involved in the investigation of the blockchain movement of cryptocurrency. The cooperation with foreign authorities provided an opportunity to enable investigators to verify the origin of money and the destination correctly.
Court Proceedings and Trial Details
At Southwark Crown Court, prosecutors presented information that Han was one of the main intermediaries who passed the money of the fraud scheme into UK accounts. It was proved that she had invested some of the assets in luxury property, jewellery and cash to hide their source.
Jing Han appeared at Southwark Crown Court where she was sentenced to 11 years in prison
Judge Sally-Ann Hales KC described Han’s actions as deliberate, calculated, and sustained, noting that she partially cooperated with investigators. Large portions of the Bitcoin remain frozen pending ongoing asset recovery proceedings managed by the courts.
Collaboration Between CPS and Police Units
The prosecution was led by the Specialist Economic Crime Division of the CPS and in collaboration with the digital forensic experts. Bitcoin had to be tracked in several wallets to ensure ownership and attribute funds to the fraudulent acts by the investigators.
According to CPS officials, the collaboration between local and international enforcers was the key to solving the case. The research proved possible to track complex cryptocurrency transactions across the borders, which provided transparency in recovery operations.
Social Media and Public Communication
A tweet by BBC News (UK) described the convicted woman as the “Cryptoqueen” who fled China to a London mansion linked to the fraudulent Bitcoin stash. CPS News confirmed that specialist teams worked meticulously to secure evidence leading to the conviction.
Cryptoqueen who fled China for London mansion to be sentenced over £5bn Bitcoin stash https://t.co/AcvKoxEKOZ
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) November 11, 2025
These updates highlighted the careful coordination required for large-scale crypto investigations. Public announcements ensured transparency while protecting sensitive investigative details throughout the court process.
Future of Cryptocurrency Investigations in the UK
Authorities emphasised that the UK Bitcoin Seizure case serves as a reference for future investigations involving digital assets. Rapid transfers across global cryptocurrency networks demand enhanced technical expertise and legal oversight.
Law enforcement continues to focus on ensuring victims recover funds while monitoring cryptocurrency for unlawful activity. The CPS confirmed that the remaining assets remain under judicial control as asset recovery measures progress.
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Final Thoughts
The UK Bitcoin Seizure case demonstrates the capacity of British authorities to manage complex cryptocurrency frauds. Digital assets do not provide immunity from prosecution when linked to criminal schemes.
Specialist units, international collaboration, and advanced blockchain tracing were critical in securing this outcome. The conviction and ongoing recovery processes emphasise the increasing enforcement presence in cryptocurrency-related crimes across the UK.
FAQs
- What is the UK Bitcoin Seizure?
The UK Bitcoin Seizure refers to the recovery of nearly 61,000 Bitcoin, valued at around £5 billion, from a global investment fraud that moved digital assets into the UK.
- Who was involved in the UK Bitcoin Seizure case?
The case involved a 42‑year‑old woman, Jing Han, who was arrested after multiple UK‑based wallets were traced to her. Investigators found she had access to passwords and recovery phrases controlling the assets.
- Which law enforcement bodies handled the UK Bitcoin Seizure case?
The investigation was led by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Metropolitan Police Cyber Crime Unit, supported by the Specialist Economic Crime Division and international partners.
- What was the outcome of the UK Bitcoin Seizure investigation?
The outcome was a conviction of Han, who received an 11‑year prison sentence. The seizure remains under legal control while asset‑recovery measures continue.
- What are victims of the fraud connected to the UK Bitcoin Seizure entitled to?
Victims are entitled to pursue restitution through asset recovery procedures overseen by the CPS, while frozen assets remain subject to court‑ordered forfeiture or distribution.
- What does the UK Bitcoin Seizure mean for digital‑asset enforcement?
The case demonstrates that digital assets cannot shield criminal proceeds, and it reinforces the ability of UK authorities to trace, freeze, and recover cryptocurrency used in fraud.
