NCA Officer Charged with Pinching £60k in Bitcoin
Ex-Crime Fighter Now Under Fire
A National Crime Agency (NCA) officer, Paul Chowles, 42, from Bristol, has been hit with serious charges for allegedly nicking around £60,000 worth of Bitcoin. The Bitcoin haul, reportedly 50 coins, was taken back in 2017.
Fifteen Charges and Counting
Chowles, who was tasked with tackling organised crime, faces 15 criminal charges including theft and concealment of criminal property. The probe was led by Merseyside Police after suspicions emerged.
Next Stop: Liverpool Magistrate’s Court
Paul Chowles is set to make a court appearance on April 25, 2025. The case is being closely watched by law enforcement and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Official Response
“We are liaising closely with Merseyside Police and the Crown Prosecution Service. The NCA’s Anti-Corruption Unit is fully cooperating with the investigation,” said an NCA spokesperson.
Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, warned: “Criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active. He has the right to a fair trial, and it is crucial that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could prejudice these proceedings.”
The investigation is ongoing and more updates are expected.
