‘Goddess of wealth’ pleads guilty to world’s largest crypto fraud

**‘Goddess of Wealth’ Pleads Guilty to World’s Largest Crypto Fraud**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 30, 2025, 12:51 PM*

A Chinese national, Zhimin Qian, has pleaded guilty for her involvement in what is considered the world’s largest cryptocurrency fraud. The massive scam defrauded over 128,000 people in China and illegally acquired more than $6.7 billion worth of cryptocurrency.

### The Scam and Investigation

Between 2014 and 2017, Qian orchestrated a multi-billion dollar scam that targeted more than 128,000 victims. Using a scheme promising daily dividends and guaranteed profits, she capitalized on the cryptocurrency boom in China. Her company claimed ambitions to turn China into a global financial and technological hub through various projects and investments.

Despite luring prominent victims—including businesspeople, bank employees, and judiciary members—the fraud relied heavily on word-of-mouth referrals from friends and family who were unaware of the scam. Qian earned the nickname “the goddess of wealth” during this time.

An investigation into her activities launched in 2018 after authorities received a tip-off about illicit transfers of criminal assets. After evading justice for five years, Qian was finally arrested in London following a complex international probe.

### Money Laundering Activities

After fleeing China using false documents, Qian entered the United Kingdom and attempted to launder the stolen funds through property purchases. She was assisted by Jian Wen, a Chinese takeaway worker who was sentenced last year to six years and eight months in prison for her role in the criminal operation. Wen used proceeds from the scam to rent a multi-million-pound house in North London.

In total, authorities seized 61,000 bitcoins from Qian, marking the largest cryptocurrency seizure ever recorded in the UK.

### Case Significance

Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Robin Weyell emphasized the scale and sophistication of this fraud. “Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are increasingly being used by organized criminals to disguise and transfer assets,” he said. This case highlights the vast sums of money accessible to fraudsters via digital currencies.

Qian remains in custody awaiting sentencing, with the date yet to be confirmed. Investigations are ongoing to ensure that these criminal proceeds remain out of reach from those involved in this extensive fraud.

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Stay tuned for updates on this landmark case as authorities continue their efforts to combat cryptocurrency-related crime.
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