National Crime Agency

Paul Chowles, a former officer with Britain's National Crime Agency, was sentenced to 5.5 years in prison for stealing 50 bitcoin from Thomas White, operator of the Silk Road 2.0 dark web marketplace. The bitcoin, initially worth £60,000 in 2017, has since appreciated to over £4 million. Chowles concealed the theft using a cryptocurrency mixing service and was caught after evidence uncovered his involvement. This case highlights the risks and complexities of cryptocurrency crime investigations.