First-Ever Criminal Trial in China Sentences Student for Crypto Fraud on Binance’s BNB Chain

• A landmark legal case has recently unfolded in China, capturing widespread attention due to its unprecedented nature.
• The case involves a university student who was sentenced for creating and issuing a cryptocurrency.
• This trial has significant implications for the regulatory landscape and legal treatment of cryptocurrencies in China.

A Chinese court’s ruling on a student’s crypto fraud case sets new legal precedent, spotlighting the complex issues around virtual currency regulations.

Criminal Trial On Crypto Fraud

In May 2022, Yang Qichao, a senior student at a Zhejiang university, developed a digital currency called “Blockchain Future Force” (BFF) on Binance’s blockchain network. Local media reports indicate that the student injected and later withdrew liquidity from BFF, leading to a significant loss in its value. An investor, identified as Luo, reportedly incurred losses of 50,000 USDT—roughly 330,000 RMB—due to the scam.

Defense lawyers contended Luo was an adept cryptocurrency trader who understood the high-risk nature of such investments. They questioned whether Luo’s decision to trade 50,000 USDT for BFF coins was a result of miscalculation, given the speculative environment inherent in virtual currency exchanges.

Profitability Amidst Alleged Fraud

The trial probed whether virtual currencies should be deemed protected assets under criminal law. Although cryptocurrencies lack several traditional monetary features, they hold measurable economic value on global trading platforms. This factor contributed to the court’s verdict to factor in the conversion of 50,000 USDT into Chinese yuan during sentencing.

Further complicating the case, the defense exhibited Luo’s transaction records, revealing a series of rapid and profitable trades. This evidence suggested Luo had benefited financially from the initial BFF investment, challenging the notion of straightforward fraud.

Legal and Regulatory Implications

This case brings to the forefront ongoing debates about the legal status and regulatory oversight of cryptocurrencies in China. The court’s decision may influence future legal frameworks concerning virtual currency activities, from issuance and trading to their legal protections.

As China’s blockchain and cryptocurrency policies continue to develop, the legal recognition of virtual currencies remains ambiguous. This trial might serve as a catalyst for establishing clearer, more definitive regulations.

Conclusion

As the first criminal trial in China involving the issuance of virtual currency, the case of Yang Qichao has significant ramifications. While the court recognized the economic attributes of digital assets, the decision also highlighted the complexities and risks associated with crypto investments. This ruling could potentially guide future legal standards, shaping a more defined regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in China.