Blockchain firms in China are facing an unwelcome climate as authorities continue their quest to eradicate private cryptocurrency activities within its borders. This drive, coupled with incentives offered for information leading to the arrest and asset seizure of private crypto ventures, hints at an escalating battle against the decentralised currency. Armed with bounties, third-party tracking firms tip off police regarding the existence of covert crypto projects, potentially leading to millions of dollars in rewards, and a stiffening ripple of fear amongst blockchain operators.
Such measures taken by the Chinese authorities, reportedly including intimidation for the handover of project private keys, and the subsequent dumping of related tokens and coins, cast a worrying shadow on the perception of the country’s crypto regulation. Individuals involved are often charged with running illicit schemes such as pyramid or multi-level marketing ventures or money laundering, leading to state seizure of all connected assets.
This approach has led to several protocol terminations this year, arousing justifiable anxiety among non-Chinese users with investments in these platforms. The measures have correspondingly sparked a mass exodus among Chinese Web3 founders, leading to efforts from various law enforcement agencies overseas in attempts to recover stuck funds.
In what can be seen as a stark contrast to its clampdown on private crypto operations, China appears welcoming of state-led blockchain initiatives. The recent issuance of the first digital yuan central bank green bond of 100 million yuan ($14 million) indicates thriving state-sanctioned blockchain ventures.
Meanwhile, individuals have attracted harsh punishments in China for participation in crypto activities. Yi Xiao, a former vice-chairman of a Chinese Consultative Conference Party Group has been sentenced to life imprisonment for corruption and abuse of power related to a Bitcoin mining enterprise. Operating a considerable operation under the corporate name Jiumu Group Genesis Technology from 2017 to 2021, Xiao was found guilty of leveraging his public position to secure preferential benefits, as well as fabricating statistical reports to mask the operations.
The seemingly dualistic approach of the Chinese authorities towards private and state-owned blockchain activities raises questions about the future of decentralised currencies in the country. As government-backed initiatives prosper, the authoritarian crackdown on private ventures casts a foreboding shadow over a sector marked by its spirit of decentralisation.
Source: Cointelegraph
