A National Crime Agency (NCA) officer has been charged with stealing approximately £60,000 worth of Bitcoin. Paul Chowles, 42, from Bristol, allegedly stole 50 Bitcoins in 2017 and is now facing multiple criminal charges.
Chowles, whose role involved combating organised crime, was charged following a detailed investigation by Merseyside Police. He faces a total of 15 charges relating to the alleged theft and concealment of criminal property.
He is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrate’s Court on April 25, 2025.
An NCA spokesperson confirmed the charges and stated: “We are liaising closely with Merseyside Police and the Crown Prosecution Service. The NCA’s Anti-Corruption Unit is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Malcolm McHaffie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division, reminded the public: “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 remains ongoing.
