Metropolitan Police make the UK’s largest cryptocurrency seizure
Detectives have made the UK’s largest cryptocurrency seizure worth nearly £180 million, superseding the previous record set by the Met just weeks ago, the Metropolitan Police announced today.
This is believed to be one of the largest seizures globally and tops the £114 million confiscation made by the Met on Thursday, 24 June.
The seizures were made by detective from the Met’s Economic Crime Command on the back of intelligence received about the transfer of criminal assets. They form part of an ongoing investigation into international money laundering.
A 39-year-old woman was arrested on 24 June on suspicion of money laundering offences. She was released on bail. The same woman was interviewed under caution in relation to the discovery of the near £180 million worth of cryptocurrency on Saturday 10 July. She has been bailed to a date in late July.
The investigation continues.
Detective Constable Joe Ryan said:
“Less than a month ago we successfully seized £114 million in cryptocurrency. Our investigation since then has been complex and wide-ranging. We have worked hard to trace this money and identify the criminality it may be linked to. Today’s seizure is another significant landmark in this investigation which will continue for months to come as we hone in on those at the centre of this suspected money laundering operation.”