UK debates the fate of $6.4 billion of seized bitcoin: compensation to victims or revenue to the budget?

12.02.2025

The UK is considering keeping $6.4 billion from bitcoin seizures, sparking a lively debate among experts, lawyers and representatives of cybercrime victims. The discussion stems from the country's largest ever digital asset seizure operation, conducted in early 2025. According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), the investigation led to the seizure of more than 120,000 bitcoins linked to illegal activities, including fraud and money laundering.The authorities emphasize that such measures are necessary to strengthen financial security and prevent the funds from being reused for criminal purposes. However, victims' representatives insist on the development of a transparent compensation mechanism to ensure that funds are returned to those who have suffered losses as a result of the crimes. Experts note that such decisions could set a precedent for other countries facing an increase in cybercrime and the need to regulate cryptocurrencies.According to analysts, the total amount of seized digital assets in the world in 2024 exceeded $10 billion. In the UK, the question of how to distribute the funds remains open: some parliamentarians propose to direct the revenue to the development of national cybersecurity programs, while others - to compensate victims. A final decision is expected in the coming months and could have a significant impact on the international practice of handling confiscated cryptocurrency assets