Chinese Bank Freezes Accounts Over Cryptocurrency-Related Remarks

According to Foresight News, a report by China News Weekly reveals that a couple in China faced account restrictions after transferring 250 yuan to each other with the note 'Dogecoin this week' via China Construction Bank. This note triggered an investigation, leading to their accounts being locked. Recently, the couple received calls from bank staff to verify their relationship and the reason for the transaction note. The bank indicated that the note had activated a 'virtual currency control,' resulting in their accounts being set to a 'no deposit, no withdrawal' status. The bank informed Ms. Yu that to lift the restrictions, her husband must provide several months of bank statements, and upon approval, sign a declaration confirming no past or future involvement in virtual currency transactions. Her husband, however, is in discussions with the bank, opposing the direct account usage limitations. China News Weekly contacted the China Construction Bank hotline for clarification. The staff mentioned they had not received any information regarding virtual currency control and advised consulting the relevant branch for details. A staff member from a Dalian branch of the bank stated that if an account is involved in virtual currency transactions, it would be subject to 'no deposit, no withdrawal' control. If a transfer note mentions 'Dogecoin,' the account holder must provide evidence that the note is unrelated to virtual currency. However, proving this is challenging, as bank statements alone are insufficient, leaving account holders with the option to close the account.