POLICE have seized nearly £180million in the largest-ever cryptocurrency raid in the UK.
The money was discovered as part of a major probe into money laundering.
The Met’s Economic Crime Command received intelligence about the transfer of criminal assets before swooping.
A 39-year-old woman has been interviewed under caution after the e-money was seized on July 10.
The suspect, who was also held on June 24 on suspicion of money laundering offences, has been bailed until later this month.
The seizure is the biggest amount of the cryptocurrency seized in the UK and one of the largest in the world.
It tops the previous record made just weeks ago after police seized £114million.
Detective Constable Joe Ryan said:“Less than a month ago we successfully seized £114million in cryptocurrency. Our investigation since then has been complex and wide-ranging.
“We have worked hard to trace this money and identify the criminality it may be linked to.
“Today’s seizure is another significant landmark in this investigation which will continue for months to come as we hone in on those at the centre of this suspected money laundering operation.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty said police are “increasingly seeing” criminals using cryptocurrency “to launder their dirty money”.
He added: “The detectives on this case have worked tirelessly and meticulously to trace millions of pounds worth of cryptocurrency suspected of being linked to criminality and now being laundered to hide the trail.
“Those linked to this money are clearly working hard to hide it. Our investigation will stop at nothing to disrupt the transfer and identify those involved.”
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