A UK Nationwide Crime Company officer has been charged with the alleged theft of fifty Bitcoin in 2017, then value $77,000.
Paul Chowles, 42, from Bristol, stands charged with 15 counts of prison offences in relation to the theft, which he’s accused of getting dedicated whereas working as an operational officer on the NCA.
The alleged theft passed off throughout an ongoing investigation into on-line organized crime, in accordance with the investigating Merseyside Police.
On the time, in 2017, the haul of fifty BTC was value round $77,000 (£60,000) however by right this moment’s measure the worth stands nearer to $4 million.
In a press release, Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Particular Crime Division, mentioned: “Mr Chowles, 42, is because of be charged with 11 offences of concealing, disguising, or changing prison property, three offences of buying, utilizing or possessing changing prison property and a single depend of theft.”
Mr Chowles is because of seem on the Liverpool Magistrates’ Courtroom on 25 April 2025.
Mr McHaffie added that, “The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all involved that prison proceedings towards this defendant are actually energetic and that he has the correct to a good trial.
“This can be very necessary that there needs to be no reporting, commentary or sharing of data on-line which might in any means prejudice these proceedings.”
What’s the NCA?
The Nationwide Crime Company is the UK’s major company that works towards severe and arranged crime, with a give attention to cybercrime and financial crime each nationally and internationally.
In 2024, the NCA was granted new powers to “seize, freeze and destroy” cryptocurrency utilized by criminals, enabling it to grab crypto from suspects with out being required to make an arrest.
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