Police in China have arrested over 1,100 people on money-laundering charges, claiming they used cryptocurrency to help them evade the law. 

The arrests come as authorities in China step up their crackdown on cryptocurrency trading.

Reports say the money launderers charged their criminal clients a commission of 1.5% to 5% to convert illegal proceeds into virtual currencies via crypto exchanges.

Last month, three industry bodies banned crypto-related financial and payment services, and the State Council vowed to clamp down on Bitcoin mining and trading.

The public security ministry confirmed police had busted more than 170 criminal groups involved in using cryptocurrencies to launder money.

The money launderers charged their criminal clients a commission of 1.5% to 5% to convert illegal proceeds into virtual currencies via crypto exchanges.

China continues crackdowns

China’s State Council ordered a tough crackdown on telco fraud in October 2020.

Executives from two of the largest crypto exchanges that provide services to Chinese investors assisted police with their inquiries.