Criminal Assets Bureau seizes 500 Bitcoin together with Europol

Irish Criminal Assets Bureau Seizes Another 500 Bitcoin in Cooperation with Europol

5 July 2026 on 20: 31

Reading time: 2 minutes

The Irish Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) has confirmed that it again 500 Bitcoin has seized, currently worth approximately 27 million euros (€30,9 million). This operation was carried out in cooperation with Europol's European Cybercrime Centre. This brings the total number of Bitcoin seized by the CAB in 2026 to 1.500. BTC, valued at approximately $92,4 million, as the law enforcement agency reported on social media on Thursday. Europol provided support through operational coordination, technical expertise, and decryption during the investigation.

The agency has not released the identity of the wallet owner or details about the underlying investigation and added that no further comment will be given.

This latest seizure follows months after the CAB reported that it had gained access to a cryptocurrency wallet containing 500 Bitcoin, which the Irish media linked to a convicted drug dealer.

Following the earlier seizure, The Irish Times reported that the wallet authorities were able to access in March is one of 12 wallets containing a total of approximately 6.000 BTC, once owned by Clifton Collins, a convicted drug dealer. The papers containing the wallet's private keys were reportedly lost.

Although authorities have not yet confirmed whether the latest seizure is linked to Collins, a wallet associated with him moved 500 Bitcoin to an unknown address on Thursday. Wallets connected to Collins still hold 4.500 Bitcoin, currently worth approximately $277 million, from Friday.

Collins was arrested in 2017 after police found cannabis in his car, according to The Guardian. Police stated that Collins used the proceeds from his drug trafficking to purchase 6.000 Bitcoin in late 2011 and early 2012, which he distributed across 12 wallets. He kept the wallet keys on a single sheet of A4 paper, hidden in the aluminium cap of a fishing bag in his rented home.

After his arrest, Collins' landlord allegedly threw away his belongings. Collins claims that the fishing bag was stolen before the landlord entered the premises.

The recent seizures by the CAB highlight the increasingly fierce fight against the use of cryptocurrency within the criminal underworld and could influence perceptions of digital assets in the mainstream market. Investors should take this into account, as such developments could affect the stability and adoption of crypto assets in Europe. Clear regulations and a better understanding of the implications of such actions are essential for the future of cryptocurrency investments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a link between the seized Bitcoin and organized crime?
There is a suspicion that the seized Bitcoin is linked to organized crime, particularly in light of previous arrests and ongoing investigations. The connection to known drug dealers such as Clifton Collins underscores this risk.

How does this seizure affect the crypto market?
The seizure can lead to increased questions regarding the legitimacy of crypto investments and may prompt investors to take precautions when buying and storing digital assets, particularly in connection with potential legal implications.

What can investors do to minimize risks?
Investors should consider following a comply-or-explain policy and managing their assets in accordance with local and European regulations, as well as taking appropriate security measures for their digital wallets.

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