National Crime Agency's Paul Chowles Charged with Misappropriating Bitcoin Seized During a 2017 Investigation into Online Organized Crime

Paul Chowles, an operational officer with the UK’s National Crime Agency, has been charged with multiple offenses linked to the alleged misappropriation of Bitcoin

An operational officer with the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has been charged with multiple offenses linked to the alleged misappropriation of Bitcoin during an investigation into online organized crime in 2017.

Paul Chowles, 42, has been accused of offenses that took place in 2017 while he was working on an NCA investigation into online crime.

The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized Merseyside Police to charge Chowles with 11 counts of concealing, disguising, or converting criminal property, three counts of acquiring, using, or possessing criminal property, and one count of theft. The charges relate to 50 Bitcoin.

He is set to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on 25 April.

Announcing the charges, Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “Following an investigation by Merseyside Police, operational officer Paul Chowles, 42, has today been charged with 15 offenses.”

“These charges relate to an investigation by the NCA’s e-crime team in 2017 into online organized crime.”

“Paul Chowles, 42, of Bristol, has been charged with 11 offenses of concealing, disguising, or converting criminal property and three offenses of acquiring, using, or possessing criminal property, all contrary to Section 338 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.”

“He has also been charged with one count of theft, contrary to Section 1 of the Theft Act 1968.”

McHaffie added that the case will now proceed through the court process.

“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 stated.

The alleged theft comes as Bitcoin (BTC) went through a period of substantial price gains. At the time of the alleged theft in 2017, Bitcoin was valued at around £1,200 per coin, making 50 BTC worth approximately £60,000.

However, Bitcoin’s price has surged since then, and 50 BTC would now be worth over £3 million at current market rates.

The NCA, tasked with tackling serious and organized crime in the UK, has yet to issue a statement regarding the case.

Authorities stealing seized Bitcoin

This case follows that of Australian police officer William Wheatley, who faced court proceedings for allegedly stealing 81.616 Bitcoin seized during a 2019 drug-trafficking investigation.

Prosecutors accused him of theft, managing proceeds from crime, and misusing confidential information. His defense argued that the case relied on circumstantial evidence.

The charges against Wheatley arose from Operation Viridian, which targeted criminal networks using cryptocurrency for illicit transactions.

Chowles, from Bristol, is accused of offenses spanning both the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the Theft Act 1968. If convicted, he could face significant legal penalties.