UK National Crime Agency Officer Charged with Bitcoin Theft

A UK National Crime Agency officer has been charged with the alleged theft of 50 Bitcoin in 2017, then worth $77,000.

Paul Chowles, 42, from Bristol, stands charged with 15 counts of criminal offences related to the theft, which he allegedly committed while serving as an operational officer at the NCA.

The alleged theft occurred during an investigation into online organized crime, according to the investigating Merseyside Police.

At that time in 2017, the value of the 50 BTC was around $77,000 (£60,000), but it is now estimated to be worth closer to $4 million.

In a statement, Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime Division, said: “Mr. Chowles, 42, is due to be charged with 11 offences of concealing, disguising or converting criminal property, three offences of acquiring, using or possessing converting criminal property, and a single count of theft.”

Mr. Chowles is scheduled to appear at the Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on 25 April 2025.

Mr. McHaffie added, “The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that he has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

What is the NCA?

The National Crime Agency (NCA) is the UK’s main agency combating serious and organized crime, focusing on cybercrime and economic crime both nationally and internationally.

In 2024, the NCA was granted new powers to “seize, freeze and destroy” cryptocurrency used by criminals, enabling it to seize crypto from suspects without requiring an arrest.