Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free

Roula Khalaf, the Editor of the Financial Times (FT), curates her preferred stories in this weekly newsletter.

A Chinese woman has been formally accused in the UK with two charges of illegal possession of cryptocurrency.

Yadi Zhang, also known as Zhimin Qian, stands accused of obtaining, utilizing, or holding criminal assets, specifically cryptocurrency, from October 1, 2017, until earlier this week in London and other parts of the UK.

Zhang, refuting the allegations presented by the Crown Prosecution Service, appeared for the first time at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Speaking through an interpreter, she expressed her intention to plead not guilty and opted not to request bail. Zhang provided her date of birth as November 10, 1990.

“In this instance, it is imperative to refrain from hasty conclusions. Ms. Zhang maintains her complete innocence,” stated her legal counsel, Roger Sahota from Berkeley Square Solicitors, to the Financial Times.

She was detained in custody by District Judge Sarah Turnock. The proceedings have been transferred to Southwark Crown Court.