Cop Caught in Bitcoin Heist: £3M Drama Unfolds!

Paul Chowles, a UK National Crime Agency officer, has been charged with allegedly swiping Bitcoin during a 2017 investigation into online crime. Because apparently, crime-fighting wasn’t thrilling enough. 🕵️‍♂️💸

The Crown Prosecution Service, in a move that screams “we’re not messing around,” authorized Merseyside Police to charge Chowles, 42, with 11 counts of concealing, disguising, or converting criminal property, three counts of acquiring, using, or possessing criminal property, and one count of theft. Because why stop at one crime when you can collect them all? 🏆

He’s set to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on 25 April. Mark your calendars, folks. This is the courtroom drama you didn’t know you needed. ⚖️

Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, confirmed the charges and reminded everyone to keep their hot takes to themselves. Because nothing says “fair trial” like a Twitter storm. 🌪️

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings,” he said. Translation: Keep your memes in check, people. 🚫📱

The alleged theft dates back to 2017, when Bitcoin was worth around £1,200 per coin. Fast forward to today, and those 50 BTC are now worth over £3 million. Talk about a long-term investment. 📈💰

The NCA, tasked with tackling serious and organized crime, has yet to comment. Probably too busy Googling “how to recover stolen Bitcoin.” 🤔

When Cops Go Rogue: Bitcoin Edition

This case is eerily similar to that of Australian police officer William Wheatley, who allegedly swiped 81.616 Bitcoin during a 2019 drug-trafficking investigation. Because nothing says “justice” like a side hustle in crypto. 🇦🇺💻

Prosecutors accused him of theft, managing proceeds from crime, and misusing confidential information. His defense? “It’s all circumstantial.” Sure, Jan. 🙄

Chowles, hailing from Bristol, is accused of offenses under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the Theft Act 1968. If convicted, he could face some serious legal consequences. Because stealing Bitcoin isn’t exactly a victimless crime. 🚨

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2025-03-14 17:24