A National Crime Agency (NCA) officer has been charged with an alleged theft of cryptocurrency Bitcoin.
Paul Chowles, 42, has been charged with 15 offences overall, relating to the alleged theft of Bitcoin during an investigation into organised crime, a spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said.
According to the force, the cryptocurrency was worth nearly £60,000 in 2017.
Online converters now estimate the 50 Bitcoin to be worth more than £3 million.
Chowles, an operational officer with the NCA from Bristol, faces 11 counts of concealing, disguising, or converting criminal property, three counts of acquiring, using or possessing criminal property, and a single count of theft.
Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime Division, said: “We have authorised Merseyside Police to charge National Crime Agency officer Paul Chowles with 15 offences relating to the alleged theft of 50 Bitcoin, worth nearly £60,000 in 2017, during an investigation into online organised crime.
“Mr Chowles, 42, is due to be charged with 11 offences of concealing, disguising, or converting criminal property, three offences of acquiring, using or possessing converting criminal property and a single count of theft.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”Chowles will appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Friday 25 April.
