Chinese authorities are cracking down on international illegal financial activities, with a focus on the recent sentencing of Zhao Dong. This is part of a larger campaign to address such activities.

China's Supreme Procuratorate has taken strong action against illegal cryptocurrency operations by imposing a seven-year prison sentence on Zhao Dong, the founder of RenrenBit and a minor shareholder of Bitfinex. This serves as a significant blow to such activities.

The prominent crypto figure, Zhao Dong, faced charges for running illegal business operations and engaging in unauthorized foreign exchange trading. This recent move highlights China's ongoing crackdown on illicit activities within the cryptocurrency industry.

Crypto OTC Unlawful Activities

Dong known for his significant influence in the over-the-counter (OTC) digital asset market and a minor shareholder in Bitfinex, is facing legal consequences due to increased government action against illicit cryptocurrency activities.

His business endeavors, specifically in the cryptocurrency industry, have experienced a setback as the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, in conjunction with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, focuses on combating foreign exchange-related illegal activities.

His recent sentencing is part of a larger initiative by Chinese authorities, which includes a total of eight cases. These cases serve as an example of the government's determination to combat illicit financial activities, especially those with an international scope.

These cases encompass a range of offenses, including fraudulent foreign exchange transactions and intricate financial scams, highlighting the government's unwavering position against financial misconduct

Chinese authorities have conducted thorough investigations, diligently traced, and successfully unraveled intricate financial transactions, with a particular emphasis on accounts linked to these criminal activities. The case against Zhao Dong and his associates was constructed based on concrete evidence, including bank statements, communication records, confessions, and witness testimonies.

China Initiates Crackdown

The intensified crackdown by China on these activities highlights emerging patterns in foreign exchange crimes. Criminals are employing increasingly sophisticated approaches, such as 'counter-attacking' models, which involve the separate movement of domestic and foreign funds to evade regulatory detection.

The utilization of virtual currencies and social media platforms for illicit financial activities poses novel challenges for law enforcement agencies.

The Supreme People's Procuratorate and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange highlight their steadfast dedication to ensuring financial security. This collaborative endeavor aims to establish a stringent environment against illicit cross-border financial activities, safeguarding the strength and integrity of China's financial system.

On December 24th, there were reports circulating on Chinese social media platforms, suggesting the uncovering of an illegal bank that utilized cryptocurrency as a means to evade foreign exchange regulations.

According to Xu Xiao, an official from the Qingdao branch of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, underground banks were acquiring virtual currencies, which were subsequently sold on overseas trading platforms to acquire the necessary foreign currency. This activity constitutes an unlawful exchange of yuan and other foreign currencies.

During the investigation, authorities allegedly confiscated digital currencies worth $28,000, which is approximately 200,000 Chinese yuan. The seized assets consisted of Tether, Litecoin (LTC), and various other cryptocurrencies.

The illicit scheme involved transferring funds surpassing $2.2 billion (or 15.8 billion Chinese yuan) through more than a thousand bank accounts across 17 different regions.