Spain uncovers largest cryptocurrency theft — €17 million stolen, suspect waited 3 months

Spanish police have uncovered a high-profile theft of cryptocurrency seized during the international operation "Geld" in the fall of 2024. This information was published on the website of the Ministry of the Interior of Spain.

At the time, digital assets worth around €17 million were confiscated from a drug dealer in Andalusia. The wallet keys were sealed in an envelope and sent to a judicial storage facility, and three months later were forwarded to the Asset Management Office (ORGA) in Madrid for further monetization.

However, in January 2025, it was discovered that the funds had disappeared. The suspect was an official temporarily acting in the case who deliberately delayed the envelope transfer and planned the theft to complicate the investigation.

During a search of his residence, a crumpled piece of paper containing a 12-word seed phrase for the crypto wallets was found behind a door frame.

It was established that the suspect had previously shown interest in crypto investments and purchased a device for storing digital keys. All funds were returned to the state, and the suspect was arrested.

It was previously reported that law enforcement in Granada, Spain uncovered a criminal network illegally selling military weapons via messengers. During the operation, police and the guard found a secret underground shooting range located three levels below ground, and also seized a large arsenal, cash, and marijuana supplies.