UK NCA Officer Charged with Bitcoin Theft

An agency responsible for criminal investigations in England and Wales has announced that a National Crime Agency (NCA) officer will face charges for allegedly stealing approximately $75,000 worth of Bitcoin in 2017.

In a statement released on March 14, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized Merseyside Police to file 15 charges against NCA officer Paul Chowles in connection with the Bitcoin theft during an investigation into online organized crime. Authorities indicated that Chowles could face charges of theft, handling stolen goods, concealing, converting, or transferring criminal property, and possession or use of criminal property.

50 Bitcoin, valued at about $75,000 before the December 2017 bull market, is now worth over $4.2 million at the current price of $84,541 per Bitcoin. The NCA officer is expected to appear in Liverpool Court on April 25.

UK Introduces New Regulations to Combat Cryptocurrency-related Criminal Activity

In April 2024, changes to the UK’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act allowed NCA officers and local police to seize cryptocurrencies from individuals suspected of criminal activity without making an arrest. The Crown Prosecution Service has not disclosed how Chowles allegedly stole the Bitcoin or whether the funds were linked to any illegal activities.

The UK NCA, as part of a global anti-money laundering and organized crime campaign, announced in December 2024 that they had seized nearly $26 million worth of cash and cryptocurrencies, resulting in the arrest of 84 individuals. During this time, it was noted that certain crypto addresses targeted by the UK were frequently exposed to Garantex, a Russian crypto exchange. The founder of Garantex was arrested in India in March and is expected to be extradited to the United States to face charges.

The UK government is expected to begin developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets following a 2025 victory by the Labour Party. The country remains a significant market for crypto users, particularly after Coinbase received approval from financial regulators.

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