Avon and Somerset Police Seize $1.4M Linked to Shuttered Darknet Markets

A regional English police force has made its largest cryptocurrency seizure since the UK introduced crypto wallet freezing orders in April 2024. Avon and Somerset Police forfeited $1.4 million (£1,032,487.86) worth of assets, including 20.21 Bitcoin, that were linked to darknet marketplaces operating between 2016 and 2019.

The force's financial investigation unit, with the help of its cyber team, traced the holdings back to those sites, which have since been shut down by law enforcement. The markets facilitated various crimes, including drug supply and people trafficking, during their operation.

Detective Constable Anthony Davis said that many people believe cryptocurrencies provide a way to hide assets from law enforcement, but he noted that the permanent record on the blockchain serves as an invaluable source of evidence for investigators.