David Edwards
According to Police Scotland’s most recent 2025 report, crimes using cryptocurrencies have increased by an astounding 2,000% in Scotland since 2019. The increase is a result of serious and organized crime groups using digital assets more frequently in an effort to take advantage of the pseudo-anonymity and worldwide reach of blockchain-based transactions.
The report pointed out that “organized criminal networks are quick to adapt and utilize new methods to obfuscate their activities,” underscoring the growing role of cryptocurrencies in fraud and criminal activity nationwide.
Absence of Committed Cryptopolicing
Despite the increase, there is currently no dedicated cryptocrime unit in Scotland’s police force. Nonetheless, Police Scotland stressed that progress is being made in developing capabilities beyond conventional cybercrime. In accordance with more general U.K. and international requirements for crypto inquiry, officers are now utilizing two sophisticated blockchain analysis tools.
A increasing institutional commitment to enforcing cybercrime is also evident in the force’s participation in the national Cryptocurrency Working Group, which is in charge of developing training frameworks, including procedures for testifying as an expert witness in court.
Scotland’s Crypto-Related Criminal History
The judiciary’s changing view to criminal activities related to cryptocurrency is highlighted by recent legislative developments. In a noteworthy instance, the Edinburgh High Court authorized the conversion of 23.5 Bitcoin, worth £109,601, into fiat money in accordance with proceeds of crime laws. John Ross Rennie, who was referred to the court as the “technical brains” behind a violent robbery in Lanarkshire, was linked to the digital assets.
These incidents show how law enforcement is increasingly attempting to turn confiscated cryptocurrency holdings into actual monetary compensation.
Future Plan: Fraud and Cyber Command
Police Scotland is suggesting the creation of a Cyber and Fraud Command in order to improve its skills in the area of digital crime. In line with jurisdictions throughout the United Kingdom that already have specialized crypto investigative teams, the new organization aims to modernize the nation’s response to financial and cyber threats.
