Woman Convicted in £2 Billion Money Laundering Scheme!
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.
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Over 2000 ICO Investors Declare Investments Amid Regulatory Compliance Push
In a significant development for the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, more than 2000 investors who participated in Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) have come forward to declare their investments. This move comes as regulatory bodies ramp up efforts to ensure compliance and transparency within the rapidly evolving digital asset space.
Voluntary Declaration Initiative
The investors, hailing from various parts of the globe, have voluntarily disclosed their participation in ICOs, providing details of their investments as part of a broader initiative to adhere to regulatory guidelines. This proactive step is seen as a positive sign of cooperation from stakeholders within the cryptocurrency community.
Navigating Regulatory Landscape
ICOs, which emerged as a popular fundraising method for blockchain projects, have faced scrutiny from regulators due to concerns over investor protection and potential misuse. The voluntary declarations by investors signal a willingness to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and operate within established frameworks.
Commitment to Transparency
In recent years, regulators have emphasized the importance of transparency and compliance in the cryptocurrency market. By declaring their investments, ICO participants are demonstrating a commitment to transparency, which is essential for building trust and legitimacy within the industry.
Regulatory Compliance Efforts
Authorities overseeing the cryptocurrency sector have welcomed the proactive approach taken by investors. The declarations will aid regulators in gaining insights into the extent of ICO participation, ensuring that projects and investors adhere to legal requirements and best practices.
Positive Impact on Market Confidence
The move by over 2000 ICO investors to declare their investments is expected to have a positive impact on market confidence. It signals a maturing of the industry, with participants taking responsibility for their actions and working towards a more sustainable and regulated environment.
Encouraging Responsible Investment Practices
Industry experts have praised the investors’ initiative, noting that it sets a precedent for responsible investment practices in the cryptocurrency space. As the market continues to evolve, such actions contribute to its long-term stability and growth.
Next Steps
With the declarations submitted, investors and regulatory bodies are now poised to engage in constructive dialogue. This includes discussions on compliance measures, investor protections, and ways to foster innovation while ensuring market integrity.
As the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors continue to evolve, the voluntary declarations by ICO investors serve as a notable milestone in the industry’s journey towards regulatory clarity and responsible growth.
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BlackRock deepens crypto push, debuts first tokenized fund on Ethereum
BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, today launched its first tokenized investment fund, the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL).
Per its official statement, the move signals a major shift towards the integration of blockchain technology into traditional finance. The fund, built
on the Ethereum network, aims to provide qualified investors with U.S. dollar yields accessible through Securitize Markets, LLC.
Robert Mitchnick, BlackRock’s Head of Digital Assets, said the fund focuses on solving client issues in the digital space. “This is the latest progression of our digital assets strategy. We are focused on developing solutions in the digital assets space that help solve real problems for our clients, and we are excited to work with Securitize,” he added.
BUIDL offers a stable token value pegged at $1, distributing dividends directly to investors’ wallets monthly. It focuses on investments in cash, U.S. Treasury bills, and repurchase agreements, ensuring yields for token holders on the blockchain. The fund introduces 24/7 token transfers among pre-approved investors, along with flexible custody options.
Prominent crypto infrastructure providers like Anchorage Digital Bank NA, BitGo, Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN), and Fireblocks are among the first participants supporting BUIDL. BlackRock has chosen Bank of New York Mellon for asset custody and fund management, while Securitize will manage tokenization and fund operations.
Additionally, BlackRock has invested in crypto infrastructure specialist Securitize, appointing Joseph Chalom, Global Head of Strategic Ecosystem Partnerships at BlackRock, to Securitize’s Board of Directors.
The fund’s token shares will be issued under specific U.S. securities regulations, with an initial investment threshold of $5 million. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will audit the fund operations to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
“Tokenization of securities could fundamentally transform capital markets. Today’s news demonstrates that traditional financial products are being made more accessible through digitization. Securitize is proud to be BlackRock’s transfer agent, tokenization platform and placement agent of choice in digitizing and expanding access to its investment products,” said Securitize co-founder and CEO Carlos Domingo.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) postponed its decision on a proposal from BlackRock for a spot ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF). This delay marked another hiccup for the asset manager as it aims to launch the iShares Ethereum Trust, which is set to be listed on the Nasdaq should it receive approval.
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