UK Police Seize 20.21 BTC Worth 1400000 USD from Darknet Markets

Avon and Somerset Police have seized 20.21 BTC and additional cryptoassets and cash, totaling 1400000 USD, linked to darknet markets active from 2016 to 2019. The individual under investigation, who had a prior money laundering conviction, has died. The police traced the assets with assistance from their cyber team, identifying them as proceeds from crimes including drug trafficking and human trafficking. This seizure marks the largest recorded by the force since the introduction of crypto wallet freezing orders in April 2024, allowing officers to freeze and seize crypto without prior arrests. The assets were forfeited under the Proceeds of Crime Act, with funds directed to community and policing programs. The current value of the Bitcoin alone is approximately 1600000 USD.

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