As an analyst with a background in financial crime and investigations, I find the recent bust of a $1.9 billion underground banking operation in Chengdu, China, by the local police forces to be both intriguing and concerning. The use of Tether (USDT) as a primary tool for fund transfers highlights the growing complexity of financial crimes in today’s digital age.
Chinese law enforcement agencies have dismantled a significant illegal banking network that employed the widely-used stablecoin Tether (USDT) for transactions valued at approximately 13.8 billion yuan, equivalent to $1.9 billion.
Based on a report from the local news outlet Weixin, the Chengdu Municipal Public Security Bureau apprehended 193 individuals implicated in the case and seized approximately 149 million yuan ($20.6 million) following searches at the related premises.
A $1.9B Underground Banking Operation
Since 2021, investigations carried out by the police have uncovered that a criminal organization, rooted in the Chinese import-export sector, had been leading an underground banking system. They utilized Tether (USDT) for their foreign exchange transactions and money settlements, offering illicit services to smugglers of cosmetics, drugs, and locals seeking foreign assets.
The criminal syndicate not only employed the use of stablecoin for transferring funds overseas but also collaborated with other entities in executing tax refund scams. Moreover, the authorities uncovered evidence indicating that USDT was utilized to circumvent national foreign exchange regulations, potentially jeopardizing the country’s financial stability.
As a researcher investigating this criminal organization, I’ve discovered that they offer illegal foreign exchange settlement services as just one aspect of their operations. They are also involved in various forms of job-related crimes, smuggling illicit goods, and engaging in financial fraud. Specifically, they obstruct credit card management systems and defraud export tax refunds.
Combatting Chinese Underground Banks
In November 2022, during the course of investigating a drug-related case, the Longquanyi District Branch of the Chengdu Municipal Public Security Bureau uncovered an illegal financial operation that utilized underground banks for money transfers.
In June 2023, a specialized team from the Ministry of Public Security carried out coordinated operations in six cities: Shanghai, Changsha, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Fuzhou, and Jinhua. Their mission was to locate and shut down clandestine banking systems. The sweeping actions resulted in the apprehension of 25 individuals implicated in these illegal activities. Furthermore, law enforcement confiscated various payment tools during their investigations, including bank cards and U-shields.
In August 2023, there was another round of arrests involving 168 people across 26 provinces. Following this, the Ministry of Public Security launched a comprehensive nationwide crackdown on hidden financial crimes.
As a crypto investor, I’ve been closely monitoring the news, and recently, there have been two significant raids in China that have caught my attention. The first one took place in Chengdu earlier this month, seizing an underground bank estimated to involve around 2.14 billion yuan or $296 million worth of cryptocurrencies. Six individuals were arrested in connection to the case, including wanted suspects from South Korea. In the previous week, the police force in Panshi City, Jilin Province, uncovered another underground banking operation involving cryptocurrencies, amounting to a staggering 2.14 billion yuan ($296 million). Six individuals were apprehended during this raid as well.
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2024-05-18 22:30