Crypto: Fake Police Steal Over $5 Million in the UK

Corrupt cops. Three men have been convicted in London after stealing over £4 million (approximately €4.7 million) in cryptocurrency from eight victims. To achieve their goals, they posed as police officers and directed their targets to fake official websites. The Metropolitan Police announced their conviction on July 16, following an investigation that combined blockchain analysis, communications, and financial data.

Key Points

• Three men convicted in London for stealing over £4 million ($5.4 million) in cryptocurrencies from eight victims
• The gang posed as police officers and directed their targets to fake official websites to capture their funds
• Blockchain analysis traced over £1 million in crypto and £500,000 in cash in a safe in Dubai
• Investment fraud reached a record £221.5 million in the UK in 2025 according to UK Finance

Fake Police Websites to Steal Crypto

Anthony Ikenwe, 29, Hamza Bashir, 23, and Kevin Nwamma, 25, contacted their victims pretending to be police officers. They then explained that their cryptocurrencies were under threat and needed to be transferred to supposed "secure accounts".

The trio had even designed fake websites mimicking those of the police. Victims would provide their credentials or directly transfer their funds, which were then stolen and laundered through a complex financial network.

The investigation began in January 2025. The Cryptocurrency team of the Metropolitan Police cross-referenced blockchain transactions, communications, financial documents, exchange platform data, and information provided by internet operators.

These elements helped link several cases that initially seemed distinct. In November 2025, simultaneous searches conducted at seven residences in London and Essex led to the arrest of the three men and the seizure of 40 phones, crypto assets, and luxury goods.

Investigators discovered a lifestyle that was inconsistent with the trio's official income. One of the men reported only £444 in annual income.

The stolen funds were notably used to purchase a car worth nearly £60,000 paid for in cryptocurrencies, Rolex watches, and luxury clothing. The group also frequented Harrods, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton and traveled to Thailand, Japan, Mykonos, the Maldives, and the Seychelles.

The police identified over £1 million in cryptocurrencies on wallets controlled by Anthony Ikenwe and discovered around £500,000 in cash in a safe in Dubai. The seized luxury goods were valued at over £26,000.

Anthony Ikenwe and Kevin Nwamma were each sentenced to six years in prison for conspiracy to commit fraud and five years for money laundering, with the sentences to run concurrently. Hamza Bashir, who ultimately pleaded guilty on the eighth day of his trial, received three years and nine months in prison.

This case serves as a reminder -- to those who may not yet know -- that cryptocurrencies do not guarantee anonymity. By cross-referencing the traces left on blockchains with banking, phone, and exchange platform information, investigators were able to link the wallets, accounts, and expenditures of the trio.

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