Authorities in the UK have charged a National Crime Agency (NCA) officer, Paul Chowles, with theft related to an alleged incident from 2017 where he is accused of stealing 50 Bitcoin during an investigation into online organized crime. The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized the Merseyside Police to proceed with charging Chowles with 15 offenses, including one count of theft and multiple charges for concealing or possessing criminal property. The Bitcoin in question was valued at approximately $75,000 at the time of the theft but has since surged in value, reaching over $4.2 million. Chowles is set to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on April 25. However, details about how the Bitcoin was allegedly stolen or its connection to illicit activities have not been disclosed. This development comes amidst increased scrutiny of cryptocurrency practices and regulations in the UK, with the NCA reporting a significant haul of cash and crypto in recent operations against money laundering.

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