Cops seize nearly $333m in crypto money laundering scheme

Police have seized nearly $333 million in e-money after cracking open the largest-ever cryptocurrency money laundering scheme.

Police have seized nearly £180 million (A$333 million) in the largest-ever cryptocurrency raid in the UK.

The money was discovered as part of a major probe into money laundering.

Fraud investigators received intelligence about the transfer of criminal assets before organising the raid.

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 £114 million (A$211 million) in cryptocurrency.

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Police have seized nearly £180 million (A$333 million) in the largest-ever cryptocurrency raid in the UK. Picture: Martin Bureau/AFP

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Detective Constable Joe Ryan said:“Less than a month ago we successfully seized £114 million 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.”

A 39-year-old woman is being interviewed over the money laundering scheme.

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.”

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced here with permission.