Manx law firm plays part in return of Bitcoin worth up to £1m

Cryptocurrency had been seized from owner by law enforcement authorities

Local law firm Simcocks Advocates has successfully secured the return of 10 Bitcoin, valued at between £600,000 and £1 million to their owner.

It's after the cryptocurrency had been seized by law enforcement authorities during an investigation into suspected money laundering by unrelated third parties.

Chris Brooks, Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution at Simcocks acted for the client with Ian Whitehurst of UK based Exchange Chambers providing advice as counsel.

The work focused on the legal basis for continued detention of cryptocurrency where the asset holder was not suspected of criminal conduct, and the ability to make application to seek their return.

During proceedings particular emphasis was placed on statutory and legal compliance by the relevant law enforcement agency and the strength of the evidence to support their actions.

The matter illustrates the increasing tension between existing and very complex statutory frameworks, and the practical realities of digital asset enforcement.

Following the case Chris Brooks told Manx Radio 'the mechanisms for challenging search and seizure in the context of a money laundering investigation are complex and opaque, and it is vital that there's a clear path to do so in a free society.

He said he was pleased to have been able to assist someone innocently caught up in a money laundering investigation and facilitate a return of their digital assets.