A former fast-food worker, discovered with over £2 billion in Bitcoin, has been convicted by Southwark Crown Court for her role in a money laundering operation.

Jian Wen, 42, hailing from Hendon in north London, played a part in transforming the cryptocurrency into assets such as lavish homes and expensive jewelry.

This Monday, she was found guilty of engaging in a money laundering arrangement.

The Metropolitan Police hailed this seizure as the largest of its kind in the UK.

Despite residing above a Chinese takeaway in Leeds when the criminal activities began, Wen’s newfound lifestyle led her to a luxurious six-bedroom home in north London by 2017, rented at a staggering £17,000 per month.

Pretending to work for an international jewelry company, she brought her son to the UK for private schooling, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

During the same year, Wen attempted to purchase a series of high-end London properties, facing difficulties passing money laundering checks. Her claims of legitimate earnings from Bitcoin mining, totaling in the millions, were met with skepticism.

Subsequently, she traveled abroad, splurging on tens of thousands of pounds worth of jewelry in Zurich and investing in properties in Dubai in 2019.

Although another suspect is believed to be the mastermind behind the scheme, they remain at large.

The Metropolitan Police conducted an extensive investigation, involving searches at multiple locations, analysis of 48 electronic devices, and scrutiny of thousands of digital files—many translated from Mandarin.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Prins, leading the investigation, emphasized the “sheer scale” of the operation, showcasing how international criminals exploit cryptocurrency for unlawful activities.

“This verdict and the extensive five-year probe demonstrate our unwavering commitment to apprehending criminals who seek to enjoy the profits of illegal funds—no matter the complexity of the case,” he stated.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has secured a freezing order from the High Court, initiating a civil recovery investigation that could result in the forfeiture of the Bitcoin.

Initially valued at around £2 billion, the Bitcoin’s worth has soared to approximately £3.4 billion due to currency fluctuations.

Andrew Penhale, CPS Chief Crown Prosecutor, highlighted the increasing use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies by organized criminals to disguise and transfer assets, allowing fraudsters to benefit from their criminal activities.

He noted that this case “demonstrates the vast sums of criminal proceeds available to these fraudsters.

Wen is set to be sentenced on May 10th.