In what is being hailed as the largest cybercrime operation in Germany’s history, German law enforcement agencies, in collaboration with the FBI, have successfully seized approximately $2.1 billion worth of bitcoins (50,000 BTC) in mid-January 2024.
This seizure marks the highest amount ever confiscated by German special services from criminals. The bitcoins were voluntarily transferred by one of the suspects using special wallets belonging to the Federal Criminal Affairs Agency (Bundeskriminalamt, BKA). However, a final decision regarding the future usage of the cryptocurrency is yet to be made.
The investigation, which can be found here, is currently ongoing and focuses on two individuals: a 40-year-old German citizen and a 37-year-old Polish citizen. These suspects are believed to have been involved in the illegal distribution of copyrighted works, copyright violations, and subsequent money laundering.
Both individuals were key figures within the prominent German portal Movie2k.to, which ceased its operations in May 2013. The portal was known for its dissemination of pirated content. It is suspected that the funds generated from this illegal activity, including advertising revenue from the site, were converted into bitcoins. Specific details of the investigation have not been disclosed until its completion.