Jian Wen, a former Chinese takeaway worker, has been convicted of laundering over £1.4 billion, originally in the form of 61,000 bitcoin, through cash, luxury goods, and properties.

The seized bitcoin from Wen, which was worth £1.4 billion at the time of seizure in 2021, has since appreciated to a value of $3.8 billion.

Wen's illicit activities included converting the cryptocurrency for an international fraudster and funding her son's private schooling.

She defended her wealth by claiming it was acquired through bitcoin mining and a generous gift of 3,000 bitcoin from her employer.

Wen is awaiting sentencing on May 10 and faces a substantial prison term, while authorities aim to legally confirm the seized bitcoin as criminal property for forfeiture.

This case underscores the growing trend of criminals using cryptocurrencies to facilitate and conceal their illegal activities, with the London police recognizing the conviction as a disruption to a complex economic crime scheme.