UK Police Probe £2.1M Bitcoin Theft by Fake Officer

UK police are investigating a major cryptocurrency scam in which a fraudster stole £2.1 million ($2.8 million) worth of Bitcoin from a victim by posing as a high-ranking law enforcement officer. The North Wales Police Cyber Crime Unit confirmed on Tuesday that the case is under active investigation, warning that the incident reflects an increasingly sophisticated trend aimed at long-term crypto holders who use cold storage devices. Investigators believe the victim may have been identified through a data breach, which allowed the scammer to craft a highly targeted attack. How the Scam Unfolded According to police, the victim was contacted by a caller claiming to be a senior UK law enforcement officer. The scammer alleged that someone had been arrested in possession of documents linked to the victim and warned that this could expose them to serious security risks. Using fear and urgency to pressure the victim, the impersonator advised them to “secure their assets” by logging into their cold wallet via a link provided during the call. Believing they were following official police instructions, the victim entered their wallet seed phrase on what turned out to be a convincing but fraudulent website. With access to the seed phrase, the scammers drained the wallet, withdrawing the entire balance of Bitcoin valued at $2.8 million. Police Issue Strong Warning North Wales Police said efforts are underway to trace the stolen funds, though recovering assets in such cases remains challenging. Authorities issued a stark reminder to crypto holders: police officers will never call unexpectedly to discuss digital assets or request wallet information. “Police will NEVER ask you to take action on your cold storage device or provide your seed phrase. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and verify directly with your local force,” the cyber crime team said. The case comes amid a broader rise in impersonation scams around the world . Earlier this month, the FBI warned that criminals are masquerading as crypto exchange employees to trick victims into revealing sensitive account details. In some cases, attackers have even used AI-generated deepfake voices to impersonate senior officials . “Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics,” North Wales Police said. “Even experienced investors must remain vigilant.” The post UK Police Probe £2.1M Bitcoin Theft by Fake Officer appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .