How Europol Cracks Lost Bitcoin Wallets: Ireland Seizes $90M More Stories ETHNews

Ireland’s Criminal Assets Bureau has seized another tranche of dormant Bitcoin linked to Clifton Collins, as Europol provided operational coordination, technical expertise, and decryption support. On July 2, the agency seized a third batch of 500 BTC, raising total recoveries to 1,500 BTC, valued at close to $90 million at current prices. The seized coins were reported to be in wallets tied to Collins, whose private keys were reportedly lost in 2017, though neither CAB nor Europol explained how the wallets were opened. Nine additional wallets from the same batch, holding roughly 4,500 BTC, have not moved and could lead to what CAB says would be its largest seizure. Blockchain data tracking cited in the report shows the July 2 transfers landing at Coinbase Prime, with bitcoin trading near $61,749 at the time. Earlier seizures in March and May also reportedly moved funds through regulated venues shortly before CAB confirmation.