An official from the UK National Crime Agency has been charged with stealing 50 bitcoins in 2017

According to the British media Sky News, police and prosecutors in the UK have announced that a National Crime Agency (NCA) official has been charged with stealing nearly £ 60000 worth of Bitcoin while investigating organized crime on the internet. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police stated that 42 year old Paul Chowles has been charged with 15 counts related to the alleged theft of 50 bitcoins in 2017. Eight years ago, the value of these cryptocurrencies was close to £ 60000, but now they are worth over £ 3 million. Chowles will appear in Liverpool District Court next month. Malcolm McHaffie, head of the Special Crimes Division at the Royal Prosecution Service (CPS), said: "We have authorized Merseyside police to prosecute National Crime Investigation Agency official Paul Chowles, accusing him of stealing 50 bitcoins worth nearly £ 60000 in 2017 while investigating organized crime on the internet. The CPS reminds all relevant personnel that criminal proceedings against the defendant have now been initiated and he is entitled to a fair trial