06 February 2026 / Sarah Wood , Barnaby Hone , Gary Pons

Issue: 8148 / Categories: Features , Criminal , Crypto , Fraud , Cybercrime , Technology

Victims’ rights in the crypto age

Gary Pons, Sarah Wood & Barnaby Hone consider the approach to cryptoassets under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

This article examines the variety of methods at the disposal of UK authorities under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to seize, detain or freeze, and recover or forfeit cryptoassets.
It also analyses the ways in which victims can make a claim for the return of their property within those schemes.

In late September 2025, Yadi Zhang pleaded guilty to an offence of money laundering involving 61,000 Bitcoin, which at that time was estimated to be worth more than £5bn. The seizure of the Bitcoin has been touted as one of the single largest cryptocurrency seizures in the world. The underlying criminality is the Lantian Gerui investment fraud involving about 128,000 Chinese victims.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) commenced civil recovery proceedings in respect of the seized Bitcoin under Pt 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA 2002) on 18

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Victims’ rights in the crypto age

Issue: 8148 / Categories: Features , Criminal , Crypto , Fraud , Cybercrime , Technology

Gary Pons, Sarah Wood & Barnaby Hone consider the approach to cryptoassets under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

This article examines the variety of methods at the disposal of UK authorities under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to seize, detain or freeze, and recover or forfeit cryptoassets.
It also analyses the ways in which victims can make a claim for the return of their property within those schemes.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) commenced civil recovery proceedings in respect of the seized Bitcoin under Pt 5 of the Proceeds of

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content

If you are already a subscriber sign in

...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

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Victims’ rights in the crypto age

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Womble Bond Dickinson—Paula Myers

mfg Solicitors—five promotions

Brabners—six promotions