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UK High Court Weighs Which Law Governs $4.3 Billion in Seized Bitcoin From Chinese Fraud

A July preliminary hearing will determine which jurisdiction’s law controls restitution for the 61,000 Bitcoin.

Overview

  • The High Court set May 22 as the cutoff for Section 281 claims by victims seeking recovery through English proceedings.
  • Law firm Candey represents about 5,700 claimants who oppose a China-based distribution plan and request application of English law.
  • Recovery costs are capped at 18% of funds returned to claimants under the fee arrangements disclosed to the court.
  • The roughly 61,000 BTC stays in government custody while officials assess options such as potential sales and safeguards for distribution.
  • The stash stems from a 2014–2017 investment fraud linked to Jian Wen’s London activities, with architect Zhimin Qian sentenced in November 2025, and Bitcoin’s price gains now complicate equitable allocation.