Former police officer convicted of kidnapping 20 million rubles worth of bitcoin using violent methods

A Russian court has handed down a harsh sentence to a former traffic police officer who committed one of the most cynical digital asset thefts. The defendant, accused of stealing bitcoin worth 20 million rubles, received a seven-year prison term.

What happened in the case

During an arrest in 2022, the law enforcement officer confiscated a mobile phone from the detained individual and unlawfully transferred digital assets to his own account. According to the Russian publication Bits.media, the police officer combined theft with physical coercion — he used violence during interrogation to obtain the necessary information to access the wallet.

Court verdict

The Ukrainian court decision includes:

• 7 years of confinement in a regular detention cell
• Payment of compensation to the victim in the amount of the entire stolen bitcoin sum — 20 million rubles
• Revocation of the police officer’s rank and associated privileges

Significance for the crypto community

This case demonstrates the real risks for digital asset owners when interacting with law enforcement. The incident highlights the importance of storing private keys separately from mobile devices and using hardware wallets. The court ruling sends a strong message of zero tolerance for cryptocurrency theft, even by government officials.