Bitcoin steadies as May 22 UK victim deadline questioned

May 22 victim claims deadline in the UK: unconfirmed

Reports circulating online claim the UK’s recovery registration for the qian zhimin money laundering case will close on May 22. This purported victim claims deadline in the UK remains unconfirmed.

Authoritative confirmation would ordinarily appear in a UK court order or a prosecutor’s public notice. No such document has been identified in publicly available materials referenced by reputable sources.

Until an official notice is published, any specific date should be treated as provisional and subject to change. Victims should rely on official channels for any binding timelines.

How UK civil recovery under POCA Section 281 works

Under Part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, civil recovery targets property suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful conduct. Section 281 allows third parties to assert claims to recover their property.

According to Thornhill Legal, civil recovery proceedings were filed in September 2024 under Part 5, and victims are given a “reasonable period” to file Section 281 claims. These applications are heard within the civil recovery case rather than the criminal prosecution.

Claimants typically provide identity details, evidence of loss, transaction records, and tracing that links their funds to seized assets. Courts assess credibility, provenance, and competing interests before any distribution.

Investigators have described the scale and complexity of this case as exceptional, reflecting the challenges of cross‑border tracing. “One of the largest and most complex economic crime investigations ever undertaken,” said Will Lyne, Head of Economic & Cybercrime Command.

Criminal proceedings determine guilt, whereas civil recovery focuses on property. The two processes are distinct but may proceed in parallel under UK law.

Organize identity documents and proof of investment, including contracts, payment records, on‑chain transaction IDs, and correspondence. Prepare a clear chronology linking funds paid to wallets associated with the case.

Preserve original files and certified translations where documents are not in English. Ensure any blockchain analysis, if used, references verifiable transaction hashes and exchange records.

Keep records of intermediaries and custodians who handled transfers. Beware of unofficial portals requesting fees or private keys, as claim intake should align with court‑directed procedures.

Seized assets and where to find authoritative updates

What assets have been seized, including the reported 61,000 bitcoins?

As reported by Yahoo Finance, authorities have frozen more than 61,000 bitcoins linked to the scheme, and experts warn that proving ownership may be difficult for many victims. As reported by The Independent, the fraud affected over 128,000 people in China between 2014 and 2017.

Where to find notices from CPS, Metropolitan Police, or High Court

Formal directions about claim windows and filing mechanics would be set out in court orders. Procedural notices may be published by the prosecuting authority.

Operational updates, asset‑seizure summaries, or clarifications on evidence may appear in police statements. Priority should be given to documents and notices issued directly by these bodies.

FAQ about Qian Zhimin money laundering case

How do victims submit a POCA Section 281 claim in the UK and what documents are required?

Submit within the civil recovery case directions, following court guidance. Include identity, loss evidence, transaction records, wallet addresses, provenance tracing, and certified translations for non‑English materials.

Can non-UK residents (e.g., victims in China) file claims, and do they need a UK lawyer?

Non‑UK victims may file if the court recognizes their interest under POCA. A UK lawyer is not mandatory but can assist with filings, evidence standards, and cross‑border documentation.