{"id":153114,"date":"2025-03-16T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-16T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cryptodnes.bg\/en\/?p=153114"},"modified":"2025-03-16T12:07:03","modified_gmt":"2025-03-16T10:07:03","slug":"uk-law-enforcement-officer-faces-multiple-charges-over-alleged-bitcoin-theft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cryptodnes.bg\/en\/uk-law-enforcement-officer-faces-multiple-charges-over-alleged-bitcoin-theft\/","title":{"rendered":"UK Law Enforcement Officer Faces Multiple Charges Over Alleged Bitcoin Theft"},"content":{"rendered":"

Paul Chowles, a National Crime Agency (NCA) officer, is accused<\/a><\/strong> of misappropriating 50 BTC as part of an operation targeting organized cybercrime. At the time, the stolen Bitcoin<\/a><\/strong> was worth around \u00a360,000 ($75,000), but due to Bitcoin’s surge in value over the years, it\u2019s now estimated at a staggering \u00a33.2 million ($4.2 million).<\/p>\n

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has leveled 15 charges against Chowles, including multiple counts of money laundering and theft. These allegations stem from the officer’s involvement in a criminal probe, and he is set to appear in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court in April 2025. The CPS also emphasized that criminal proceedings are underway, and public commentary on the case should be restrained to avoid influencing the legal process.<\/p>\n

Chowles faces up to 14 years in prison for each count of money laundering if convicted, as well as the potential for seven years for theft. While the court may favor concurrent sentences, the range of charges suggests that Chowles could be looking at a lengthy prison term should the allegations be proven true.<\/p>\n