Bitcoin, Ethereum and Kusama: Police seize 'significant amounts' of cryptocurrency in West Yorkshire

West Yorkshire Police has revealed that officers have seized a “significant” amount of cryptocurrency over the last two years
By Nathan Hyde
Published 24th Mar 2022, 09:44 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2022, 09:46 BST

However, the force has refused to say how much.

In response to a Freedom of Information request, the force said it has taken quantities of Bitcoin, Ethereum and Kusama from suspected criminals since 2020.

West Yorkshire Police said it is “widely recognised” that criminals use the digital currencies “to take advantage from the perceived anonymity”.

West Yorkshire Police has seized cryptocurrency including BitcoinWest Yorkshire Police has seized cryptocurrency including Bitcoin
West Yorkshire Police has seized cryptocurrency including Bitcoin
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But the force also said it cannot reveal how much has been seized, because criminals could use it to their advantage.

The force also revealed that private companies are used to provide “suitable, secure storage” for the seized cryptocurrency, but it cannot name them publicly, as they could be targeted by

cyber attacks.

“The size of the assets that have been seized is significant and West Yorkshire Police takes the security of these assets extremely seriously,” it added.

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