Police Seize €10M in Crypto Linked to Darknet Drug Trafficking in Germany

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20.03.2025 77 times read 2 Comments Read out

Police Seize Cryptocurrencies Worth 10 Million Euros After Darknet Investigations

In North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, the police have confiscated cryptocurrencies valued at 10 million euros. This operation is linked to drug trafficking activities conducted via the Darknet. The suspect, a 36-year-old man, is accused of selling substances such as amphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, and hashish in approximately 6,000 transactions.

The investigation was led by the Central and Contact Point Cybercrime North Rhine-Westphalia (ZAC NRW). In addition to the cryptocurrencies, authorities also seized laptops, cash, and gold. The suspect is currently in pre-trial detention. His apartment was searched, and he was arrested back in December 2024.

“The seizure of cryptocurrencies highlights the increasing role of digital assets in criminal activities and the effectiveness of specialized cybercrime units,” according to the report.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cryptocurrencies worth 10 million euros were seized in North Rhine-Westphalia.
  • The case involves drug trafficking on the Darknet, with over 6,000 transactions.
  • Additional assets like laptops, cash, and gold were also confiscated.

Bitcoin Struggles Despite Positive News

On March 20, 2025, Bitcoin briefly surged to 87,500 USD before declining again. Initial optimism was fueled by expectations of interest rate cuts in the U.S. and developments in a legal dispute involving the SEC. However, the overall sentiment in financial markets quickly soured, putting pressure on Bitcoin's price.

Market analysts attribute the losses to U.S. trade policies, which are negatively impacting the global economy. Other cryptocurrencies, such as XRP, also experienced short-lived gains before facing renewed declines.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bitcoin reached 87,500 USD on March 20, 2025, before falling again.
  • U.S. trade policies and market risk aversion are cited as reasons for the decline.
  • Other cryptocurrencies like XRP also faced similar trends.

The cryptocurrency markets remain highly volatile. While Bitcoin and Ethereum have recorded losses, Monero has shown slight gains. Other digital currencies, including Ripple and Litecoin, have also experienced declines.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bitcoin and Ethereum are facing losses in the current market.
  • Monero has managed to achieve slight gains.
  • Ripple and Litecoin have also seen declines.

BlackRock: Bitcoin Could Benefit from a Recession

BlackRock has suggested that Bitcoin might emerge as a winner in the event of a recession. The ongoing U.S. trade policies and associated economic uncertainties are currently weighing on the markets. However, BlackRock sees potential for Bitcoin, particularly during an economic downturn.

The analysis is based on the assumption that investors may increasingly turn to alternative assets like cryptocurrencies during times of crisis. This shift in investment behavior could benefit Bitcoin in the long term.

Key Takeaways:

  • BlackRock predicts Bitcoin could thrive during a recession.
  • Economic uncertainties and U.S. trade policies are influencing market dynamics.
  • Investors may favor cryptocurrencies as alternative assets in times of crisis.

Sources:

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wow this is like crazy, 10million euros in crytocurrency?? I dont even kno how u keep track of coins like that. So does this meen that guy hid ALL his money in bitcoinx? cuz like wouldnt he have needed a really big wallet or sumthing? lol i mean seriusly tho thats a whole lot!!

And wait,, if they caught him in December 2024 then y are we just hearing bout it now?? seems kinda slow to me but IG mayb they had 2 investigate more... or idk maybe they ddnt know what 2 do with all his bitcoins lmao. also how are police even allowed to keep crypto? like isnt it super private that no one else can touch it?? idk mayb they hacked it or sumthing ?

Also the article talks about monero going UP but i bet its only cuz ppl think its real 'untrackable' or w/e. Like they prob think "Oh if this guy got caught w bitcoin Imma just switch to monero n not get caught" but ya guys cops r NOT dumb they'll find u bro xD

Anway i kinda feel bad for the dude bc like jail???? for drugs???? idk its like y not just let ppl do what they wanna do but ig 10mil is not lil amount so they had 2 do something ?

btw they keep saying U.S. policies afect bitcoin prices?? uh what does US have to do with germany darknet drugs?? makes no sense. but whatevz just my 2 cents lol
Ok but like im so confused by this whole case?? 10 million euros in crypto??? HOW did they evan figure out the password 4 this guy's wallet, cuz I thought bitcoin was suposed 2 be like rly secure. Did the dude just write it down on paper or smthng n the cops just found it LMAO. Also, if they took gold & cash, y isn’t that being talked abt more too?? Like 10 million in gold seems way MORE crazy than 10mil in imaginary coins rofl.

Also, 6000 transactions sounds like a WHOLE-BUSINESS. How is that 1 person? 1 GUY doing all that?? Doesn’t Germany have like gangs or bigger organisations doing this stuff? Maybe he wasn’t acting ALONE but they just didnt find all his partners yet or whatever. No way 1 dude pulled this off in his apartment lol. Esp w/ drugs like coke & meth... Idk just seems sus if u ask me.

Also I saw som1 say U.S. trade stuff is messin up crypto prices. Like huh?? Why would american rules make bitcoin go down in germany, makes ZERO sense lol. It should be like separate, right? Buttt ig BlackRock thinks it’s all gonna go boom when recession happens?? Idk tho, i thot ppl stopped caring about recession stuff after 2020. Like we’ve BEEN broke ??? lol

Annd the thing w/ Monero—why don’t the cops just CONFIscate it too. If bitcoin is 'trackable' then maybe they crack monero nexxt lol. Btw who even uses litecoin anymore, I thot that coin was DEAD hahaha. Anywayz, this whole story is so wild, creepy 2 think how many ppl out here using crypto on darknet everyday...