German police confiscated $2.2 billion worth of bitcoins in the case of the operation of a pirated resource
German law enforcement authorities seized 50,000 BTC in the case of illegal digital content. The suspects received income from a pirated online resource, after which they invested it in bitcoin. The police note that this is the largest batch of confiscated crypto assets in the country's history.
German law enforcement authorities have confiscated 50,000 BTC in a case of illegal distribution of digital content. At the time of writing, the seized assets are estimated at $2.2 billion.
According to the statement, the cryptocurrency was confiscated during a joint investigation by the Dresden Prosecutor General's Office and the Saxony State Criminal Police Department.
The assets were owned by two people: a 37-year-old Polish citizen and a 40-year-old German citizen. In 2013, they launched an online resource through which they distributed digital content in violation of copyright. The suspects invested the income they received in bitcoin, thus wanting to increase their capital.
According to the police, the defendants agreed to voluntarily transfer assets obtained as a result of illegal activities to law enforcement agencies. Bitcoins were transferred to official crypto wallets provided by the Federal Office of the German Tax Police.
Law enforcement officers did not disclose other details of the case. Representatives of law enforcement agencies noted that a detailed report will be published after the investigation is completed.
Source: Incrypted