Some bitcoin mining firms in the U.S. are reportedly underreporting the value of their ASIC shipments to evade customs duties, particularly in light of new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. As U.S. Customs and Border Protection increases scrutiny on these imports, miners are facing challenges in navigating the complexities of compliance, leading to a reconsideration of their operations and potential slowdowns in new projects.
Zhimin Qian, also known as the "Bitcoin Queen," was convicted for her role in a fraudulent Bitcoin scheme that defrauded over 128,000 investors in China, resulting in the world's largest cryptocurrency seizure valued at £5.5 billion. The Metropolitan Police seized 61,000 Bitcoin during their investigation, making it the largest single cryptocurrency seizure in history. Qian attempted to launder the funds in the UK after fleeing China, leading to a multi-year investigation with international cooperation.