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

**‘Goddess of Wealth’ Pleads Guilty in World’s Largest Cryptocurrency Fraud**

*By Mudit Dube | September 30, 2025*

A Chinese national, Zhimin Qian, has pleaded guilty to her role in the world’s largest cryptocurrency fraud, which defrauded over 128,000 victims across China and illegally acquired cryptocurrency valued at more than $6.7 billion (5 billion pounds).

Qian was convicted at Southwark Crown Court in London following an extensive investigation into a global money laundering network that began in 2018. She remains in custody, awaiting sentencing, with the date yet to be announced.

### The Scam

Between 2014 and 2017, Zhimin Qian orchestrated a massive scam targeting more than 128,000 people in China. Exploiting the cryptocurrency boom, her scheme promised daily dividends and guaranteed profits. Her company claimed to be creating a global financial and technological hub in China through various projects and investments.

Many victims—including business professionals, bank employees, and judiciary members—were lured into investing through recommendations by friends and family who were largely unaware of Qian’s true intentions. She earned the nickname “the goddess of wealth” for her deceptive allure.

### Money Laundering Efforts

After fleeing China using false documents, Qian entered the UK and attempted to launder the stolen funds by purchasing property. She was aided by Jian Wen, a Chinese takeaway worker who was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison last year for her involvement in the operation. Wen used the proceeds from the scam to move into a multi-million-pound rented house in North London.

Investigators seized a total of 61,000 bitcoins from Qian—marking the largest cryptocurrency seizure ever made in the UK.

### Investigation and Impact

The investigation into Qian’s activities began in 2018 after authorities received a tip-off regarding the transfer of criminal assets. She had been evading justice for five years before her arrest, which required complex coordination across multiple jurisdictions.

Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Robin Weyell highlighted the significance of the case, stating, “Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are increasingly being used by organized criminals to disguise and transfer assets.” He added that this case underscores the vast scale of criminal proceeds available to fraudsters in the digital currency space.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing efforts to prevent these criminals from accessing their stolen funds.

—

*Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/chinese-woman-pleads-guilty-to-record-6-7b-cryptocurrency-fraud/story