Chinese Court Recognizes Bitcoin as Property in Landmark 107 BTC Theft Ruling

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Chinese Court Recognizes Bitcoin as Property in Landmark 107 BTC Theft Ruling

A court in Qingdao, China, has ruled that Bitcoin qualifies as property under criminal law, handing down a 10-year prison sentence to a man convicted of stealing 107 Bitcoin from an acquaintance. The decision, reported by local legal sources, marks a significant development in how Chinese courts treat digital assets within the country’s strict legal framework.

The Case: How 107 Bitcoin Were Stolen

According to court documents, the victim sought help from the defendant, identified only by the surname Zhang, to cash out 117 Bitcoin in 2023. During the process, the victim set up a 12-word seed phrase for wallet recovery, which Zhang memorized. Zhang successfully recalled 11 of the 12 words and inferred the final one, granting him full access to the wallet. He then transferred and cashed out 107 Bitcoin, leaving the victim with a fraction of the original holdings.

Prosecutors argued that Bitcoin constitutes ‘property’ under Chinese criminal law, making its unauthorized taking a criminal offense. The court accepted this argument, sentencing Zhang to 10 years and nine months in prison and imposing a fine of 100,000 yuan (approximately $14,700).

Legal Implications for Cryptocurrency in China

China has maintained a strict ban on cryptocurrency trading and mining since 2021, but this ruling clarifies that digital assets still carry legal weight in criminal proceedings. The decision does not reverse the trading ban, but it establishes that Bitcoin and similar assets can be legally protected as property, potentially opening the door for future theft and fraud cases to be prosecuted under existing property laws.

Legal experts note that this ruling aligns with a broader trend in Chinese courts, which have previously recognized virtual currencies as property in civil cases, particularly in inheritance and contract disputes. However, this is one of the first high-profile criminal cases to apply the same logic.

What This Means for Bitcoin Holders in China

For individuals holding Bitcoin in China, the ruling provides a measure of legal recourse if their assets are stolen. However, the overall regulatory environment remains hostile to cryptocurrency trading, and holders must navigate a complex legal landscape where possession is tolerated but trading is banned. The case also serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of sharing seed phrases or recovery details, even with trusted acquaintances.

Conclusion

The Qingdao court’s decision reinforces the legal status of Bitcoin as property within China’s criminal justice system, offering a pathway for victims of cryptocurrency theft to seek justice. While the country’s ban on trading remains in effect, this ruling signals that digital assets are not beyond the reach of the law. The case is likely to influence future legal proceedings involving cryptocurrency in China and may prompt further clarification from higher courts.

FAQs

Q1: Does this ruling mean Bitcoin is legal in China?
No. China still bans cryptocurrency trading and mining. This ruling only recognizes Bitcoin as property for the purpose of criminal prosecution, meaning theft of Bitcoin can be punished under property laws.

Q2: Can I legally hold Bitcoin in China?
Yes, individuals can hold Bitcoin as an asset, but trading, exchanging, or mining it is prohibited. The legal status remains ambiguous, and holders face risks of asset seizure or penalties if they engage in banned activities.

Q3: What should I do if my cryptocurrency is stolen in China?
This ruling suggests that victims can report theft to authorities and potentially pursue criminal charges. However, given the complexity of cryptocurrency cases and China’s regulatory stance, consulting a lawyer with expertise in digital asset law is strongly recommended.

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