Bitcoin Money-Laundering Mastermind Qian Zhimin Sentenced to 11 Years 8 Months in UK Court Over 60,000 BTC Case

In the UK, authorities have handed down a sentence to Qian Zhimin, identified as the architect of a 60,000 BTC money‑laundering operation, sentencing the defendant to 11 years and 8 months at Southwark Crown Court. Time already served—approximately 18 months since April 23, 2024—will be deducted from the total term. Under the automatic release halfway rule, the offender is expected to transition to community supervision after half of the sentence, with a projected release around late February 2030. A five‑year SCPO will take effect upon release, reinforcing ongoing post‑conviction oversight in this high‑profile crypto case.

Although the verdict ends the criminal phase, the handling of the forfeited 60,000 BTC remains unresolved. Ongoing asset tracing and cross-border cooperation will be essential as regulators pursue recovery, underscoring the sector’s emphasis on crypto crime enforcement and asset‑forfeiture frameworks.