This page gives the latest information on STFIL, as collected and checked by the Filecoin Foundation. Latest updates are at the top; answers to frequently asked questions are below that.
We have an important update regarding the return of FIL held by the Hanshou police to STFIL customers.
According to the team at Zhong Lun (ZL), one of the law firms assisting depositors from various countries, the Hanshou police are now processing claims for return of FIL to depositors. The first batch of refunds was conducted in April, and a second batch was conducted in August, including foreign depositors. So far, the police have processed refunds exceeding 1.5 million FIL.
These refunds represent a recognition by the Hanshou procuratorate and the Hanshou police that it is lawful to hold FIL in the People’s Republic of China. This follows in line with a 2022 civil judgment from a Shanghai court, which found “The FIL token involved in this case possesses property attributes in the context of law, its production and creation are secure, virtualized, decentralized and digitalized, and it can be circulated freely in the market.” The Shanghai High People’s Court also published an article on September 16, 2025, announcing the first-time successful disposal of over 90,000 FIL in criminal enforcement procedures.
During the refund process, the Hanshou police verified the depositors’ ID documents, wallet addresses and corresponding QR codes, staked principal amounts, current addresses, and contact numbers, then the depositors were photographed and required to sign and affix fingerprints to registration forms prepared by the police. STFIL In-person Funds Recovery Report - public
The Hanshou police are following common Chinese police protocols, which require the registered STFIL customers to be present in person for the fingerprints and photographs. ZL is discussing with the Hanshou police for a potential online refund method, which would make it easier for overseas STFIL customers, but the timing remains uncertain. According to the Hanshou police, the next batch will likely not be processed until November 2025 or even later.
If you have not yet registered, you risk the tokens being treated as unclaimed assets and kept by the Hanshou police. Registration is a necessary prerequisite to getting a refund (see discussion in our prior updates below). Check with legal counsel to see if you can still begin a new registration. We understand that many depositors have already submitted their registration materials to Hanshou police with the assistance of local lawyers. Others might not have registered yet due to language barriers or other circumstances. We encourage depositors who have not yet submitted their application materials to consider submitting their registration before the next batch of on-site refund..
Because of the complexity of the legal and police process in this case, we strongly recommend you find professional legal support when making your claim. If you need help with the on-site refund process, you can contact Zhong Lun at [email protected]. There is also a legal team at DHH working with the 511 Changsha Tourist Group offering similar services.
We have an important and positive update regarding the investigation initiated by the Chinese authorities against STFIL, which is still in progress:
According to the team at Zhong Lun (ZL), one of the law firms assisting depositors from various countries, Hanshou procuratorate and the Hanshou police have, after two rounds of review, officially decided that depositors who are not implicated in the STFIL prosecution are eligible to claim the return of their assets at the current stage.
Furthermore, Hanshou police plans to initiate the asset return process soon.We understand that many depositors have already submitted their registration materials to Hanshou police with the assistance of local lawyers. Others might yet registered yet due to language barriers or other circumstances.
ZL has confirmed with Hanshou police that they will still accept new registrations.
That said, the Hanshou police have emphasized two critical points:
(1) New registration must be completed as soon as possible;
(2) Assets will not be automatically returned without depositors demonstrating their legal ownership over such assets.
We have not, as yet, been informed of a final date for either the return of the assets, or a deadline for claims, though it remains possible that a deadline will be imposed. If you have not yet registered, you risk the tokens being treated as unclaimed assets and kept by the Honshou police.