Former National Crime Agency officer Paul Chowles has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for stealing 50 Bitcoin seized in the investigation of Silk Road 2.0.
Paul Chowles Sentenced
Paul Chowles, previously with the NCA, received a five-year sentence for theft. The courts found he stole 50 Bitcoin in 2017, valued around $79,000 at the time. In May this year, Chowles pleaded guilty to charges of theft, transferring criminal property, and concealing criminal property.
Methods of Concealing Theft
Chowles used the Bitcoin Fog mixing service to obscure the origins of the stolen funds. He tried to cover his tracks by transferring Bitcoin through various exchanges. CPS specialist prosecutor Alex Johnson noted that Chowles took advantage of his position with his knowledge of cryptocurrencies and the dark web.
Investigation and Evidence
After co-founder Thomas White reported the Bitcoin theft, police initiated an investigation. It was found that Chowles used a phone linked to an account responsible for transferring Bitcoin and had several notepads containing data on White's crypto accounts. Law enforcement plans to pursue confiscation proceedings against Chowles.
Paul Chowles' sentencing highlights the necessity of integrity within law enforcement and serves as a reminder of the repercussions of corruption in sensitive areas like cybercrime.
