Police Scotland says it has witnessed a staggering 2,000% increase in cryptocurrency-related criminal activity since 2019, with serious and organized crime groups increasingly turning to digital assets to obscure their operations.
Although the exact number of cases contributing to this surge remains unclear, authorities indicate that crypto is playing a growing role in fraud and organized crime across Scotland. In its 2025 annual report, Police Scotland acknowledged the trend, noting that while it doesn’t yet have a dedicated crypto unit, the “development of capabilities outside of cybercrime is progressing.”
The force has started using two advanced tracking and tracing tools, bringing them in line with much of the U.K. and leading international law enforcement agencies. Police Scotland is also part of the national Cryptocurrency Working Group, which is tasked with shaping strategies, training, and expert witness preparation to strengthen law enforcement’s response to digital asset misuse.
The report follows a recent legal milestone in the country, where stolen cryptocurrency was converted into fiat through proceeds of crime laws. Scotland’s High Court in Edinburgh approved the seizure and liquidation of 23.5 Bitcoin — valued at £109,601 — from John Ross Rennie, who was described as the “technical brains” behind a violent robbery in Lanarkshire.
Looking forward, the proposed creation of a Cyber and Fraud Command is expected to refresh Scotland’s approach to crypto enforcement, aligning it more closely with other U.K. regions that already have dedicated cryptocurrency units.
