London police seize a record £114m in cryptocurrency

London’s Metropolitan Police, as part of an investigation into money laundering, seized £114m (about $158m) in cryptocurrency. It was the largest amount ever confiscated in digital assets in the country’s history, the authorities said in a сообщении правоохранителей.

The operation was carried out by the police’s Economic Crime Unit, based on “intelligence on the transfer of criminal assets”. The investigation continues.

Earlier, The Times reported that British law enforcement wants additional powers to freeze cryptocurrency transfers as part of their operations. The Metropolitan Police said that “outdated legislation” does not always allow seizures or freezes of crypto-asset transfers.

In May, the National Crime Agency said that the widespread use of cryptocurrencies helps criminals launder illicit proceeds.

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