“Sophisticated Money Launderer” Told to Repay $3.8 Million

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• A former takeaway worker has been ordered to repay over £3.1 million following a money laundering conviction
• Jian Wen, 42, was previously sentenced to six years and eight months in prison for laundering cryptocurrency proceeds
• Authorities seized Bitcoin wallets linked to Wen, initially valued at over £300 million

Jian Wen, a 42-year-old former takeaway worker, has been mandated to repay more than £3.1 million ($3.8 million) after her conviction for money laundering in relation to a crypto money laundering scheme. In May 2024, Wen was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison after being found guilty of laundering cryptocurrency proceeds following the seizure of associated Bitcoin wallets, initially estimated to be worth over £300 million ($366 million). Wen faces another seven years in prison if she doesn’t come up with the money within three months.

Bitcoins Rise from Modesty to Affluence

Wen’s ascent from living above a Chinese restaurant in Leeds to residing in a luxurious North London property exemplifies the transformative impact of her illicit activities. In 2017, she relocated to a six-bedroom house with a monthly rent exceeding £17,000, posing as an employee of an international jewellery business. She also enrolled her son in a private school, further embedding herself into an affluent lifestyle. 

Expanding her operations internationally, Wen traveled to Dubai in 2019, where she purchased two properties worth over $610,000 and acquired jewellery valued at tens of thousands of pounds in Zurich. Throughout the investigation into her activities, Wen denied any knowledge of the criminal origins of the bitcoins, claiming she was acting on behalf of a Chinese national who requested her assistance in making these purchases. 

Bitcoins Hammer Comes Down

Wen was sentenced last year to six years and eight months in prison for laundering the bitcoins, which were connected to a $6 billion fraud in China orchestrated by her former employer, Yadi Zhang. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Service, last week secured a Confiscation Order against Wen following her conviction, with the court determining that she benefited from her criminal conduct to the tune of £3.5 million ($4.3 million) and issued a Confiscation Order for her available assets, valued at £3.1 million. Wen has been given three months to pay this amount or face an additional seven years in prison.

Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor, stated, “The CPS and the Metropolitan Police have successfully brought Jian Wen to justice. Wen is a sophisticated money launderer who laundered many millions of the proceeds of crime.” Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing individuals engaged in such activities, ensuring that crime does not pay.

Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn of the Metropolitan Police commented, “I hope the conclusion of today’s hearing sends a clear message to criminals who use sophisticated means to obtain funds illegally. They should be in no doubt that we will pursue them with persistence, determination, and professionalism.”