Dutch Authorities Seize Cryptocurrency Worth Over 25 Million Euros
Dutch authorities have seized more than 25 million euros in cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin and ether, from dozens of suspects in criminal cases. “Cryptocurrencies are widely used as a means of payment for various types of crime,” said the Netherlands’ Public Prosecution Service. Authorities in the Netherlands Seize More Than 25 Million Euros in Cryptocurrencies, Including Bitcoin and Ether
The Netherlands’ Public Prosecution Service announced last week that it has seized more than 25 million euros ($28.6 million) in cryptocurrencies in recent months in collaboration with two other agencies.
The Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD), the National Criminal Investigation Service (DLR), and the Public Prosecution Service (OM) collaborated on various investigations in which the emphasis was on seizing crypto wallets, the announcement details.
The FIOD is an agency of the government of the Netherlands responsible for investigating financial crimes. The National Criminal Investigation Service is part of the Dutch National Police Unit. The Public Prosecution Service, also called Openbaar Ministerie, is the body of public prosecutors in the Dutch criminal justice system.
The announcement states: More than 25 million euros in cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ethereum have been seized from dozens of suspects.
Various crypto exchanges in the Netherlands and abroad cooperated with the FIOD and the Public Prosecution Service when criminal proceedings were levied. “They are obliged to do so under Dutch law,” the OM explained, adding that their cooperation made it possible to seize the content of various “crypto wallets managed by criminals with a total value of more than 25 million euros.”
However, the authorities explained that the identity of the suspects in an investigation is not always known. Some of the suspects are from the Netherlands while others are foreign nationals. “They will be transferred to the designated foreign authorities, subject to applicable international agreements,” the OM explained.
The Public Prosecution Service also warned of crypto’s use as a means of payment for criminals, stating: Possession and use of cryptocurrencies is legal but also popular among criminals. The reason is that criminals perceive cryptocurrencies as anonymous and they can be moved around the world quickly. Cryptocurrencies are therefore widely used as a means of payment for various types of crime.
The OM detailed that cryptocurrencies are used in cybercrime, such as ransomware, and as a means of payment, such as to pay for hosting services. “In addition, we increasingly encounter cryptocurrencies in forms of crime such as drug and human trafficking, fraud, and tax evasion.”
Furthermore, “The investigation also revealed that criminals counteract unwanted exchange rates by converting cryptocurrencies into so-called ‘stablecoins’ such as USDT. These are cryptocurrencies whose value are linked to the U.S. dollar,” the Public Prosecution Service noted.
What do you think about Dutch authorities seizing 25 million euros in cryptocurrencies? Let us know in the comments section below. Local Council Member in Ukraine Declares 124 BTC and 500 Tesla Shares NEWS | 25 mins ago Popular Tezos NFT Marketplace Discontinues Services Without Explanation NEWS | 3 hours ago Tags in this story dutch authorities, dutch government, Dutch Police, netherlands seize bitcoin, netherlands seize cryptocurrency, seize bitcoin, seize crypto, seize cryptocurrency, The Netherlands
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article. Read disclaimerShow comments