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NCA Seizes Dinosaur Fossils and London Apartments in Crime Proceeds Settlement With Singapore-Based Businessman

The court used civil asset-recovery powers that allow Su Binghai to retain a quarter of sale proceeds without a criminal conviction.

Overview

  • Britain’s National Crime Agency reached a Nov. 5 settlement under the Proceeds of Crime Act with Su Binghai and his company, Su Empire.
  • Authorities seized three complete fossilised skeletons—a mother-and-baby Allosaurus pair and a Stegosaurus—nine London apartments and 11 Chinese artworks.
  • The dinosaur fossils were bought at Christie’s in 2024 for about £12.4 million, and the artworks were acquired at auction in 2022 for over £400,000.
  • A court order provides that 25% of the sale proceeds from the recovered assets will be paid into a bank account nominated by Su.
  • Su was previously linked to Singapore’s largest money-laundering case, and officials later withdrew an Interpol notice after a separate forfeiture deal in Singapore.