Police Scotland has reported an astonishing 2,000% surge in cryptocurrency-related crimes since 2019, attributing the rise to the adaptability of serious and organized crime groups that increasingly use digital assets to conceal illicit activities.
As cryptocurrency continues to play a growing role in fraud and organized crime across Scotland, authorities are ramping up efforts to combat these emerging threats.
Although the exact number of cases remains unclear, Police Scotland acknowledged in its 2025 annual report that it currently lacks a dedicated crypto enforcement unit. However, officials emphasized that steps are being taken to strengthen investigative capabilities beyond traditional cybercrime. To enhance its ability to track illicit digital transactions, the force has begun utilizing two advanced tracking and tracing tools, bringing its operations in line with leading law enforcement agencies in the U.K. and globally.
Additionally, Police Scotland is actively participating in the national Cryptocurrency Working Group, which focuses on strategy, training, and development. The group is working on designing a structured training pathway that includes expert witness testimony, aiming to equip officers with specialized knowledge in tackling crypto-related crimes.
These developments follow a legal milestone in Scotland, where prosecutors successfully applied proceeds of crime laws to convert stolen cryptocurrency into cash. The High Court in Edinburgh approved the conversion of 23.5 Bitcoin—linked to John Ross Rennie—into £109,601. Rennie, identified as the “technical brains” behind a violent robbery in Lanarkshire, played a central role in the case that set this precedent.
Looking ahead, officials believe the proposed Cyber and Fraud Command will modernize Scotland’s approach to cryptocurrency-related crimes. This initiative seeks to refine organizational strategies and responsibilities, aligning Scotland’s response more closely with other U.K. jurisdictions that already have dedicated crypto enforcement teams.
Scotland is not alone in addressing crypto-related crime. In Canada, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) in Ontario has teamed up with major cryptocurrency ATM operators to launch a public awareness campaign aimed at reducing crypto-related scams. Announced on January 21, 2025, the initiative includes warning messages on ATMs to educate users about the irreversible nature of transactions and common fraud tactics.
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