A court in Russia has sentenced a traffic police officer in the city of Ufa to seven years in prison after finding him guilty of stealing Bitcoin from detainees in 2022. The stolen cryptocurrency was valued at roughly 20 million rubles. The court also stripped the officer of his rank and ordered him to repay the victims. The case surfaced as Bitcoin prices declined over the past day amid wider market pressure.

Theft From Detainees’ Encrypted Wallets

The probe looked into the events involving police interference in Ufa in 2022. The officials who remained unnamed were engaged in handling persons under arrest during the legal process. He routinely took part in the police actions and also seized their mobile phones during those meetings.

After taking the devices, the officer gained access to the encrypted crypto wallets on the phones. Investigators stated that he moved the money from the wallets via a messaging app. He then moved the amount to accounts that he controlled.

Law enforcement estimated that, at today's rate, the Bitcoins transferred illegally back then were worth around 20 million rubles. The figure equaled $700,000. The court documents ascertained that the detainees did not approve the transfers.

Court Ruling and Penalties

Judges ruled that the officer abused his position while performing official duties. The court stated that he used physical violence against detainees during the process. These acts occurred while handling a criminal case.

The sentence included seven years in prison and the loss of his rank as a police officer. The court also ordered financial compensation for the victims. Court materials showed no evidence of accomplices. Officials said the officer acted alone.

The ruling addressed both the theft and the misuse of police authority. No other officers were charged in connection with the case.

Market Context During the Case

The incident drew attention within Russia’s cryptocurrency space. It focused on how digital assets are handled when personal devices are confiscated. The case involved unauthorized access to a phone and private wallet transfers.

No public responses from prominent regulators or cryptocurrency groups followed the case. Reports noted the unusual nature of a confirmed crypto theft involving a police officer. Meanwhile, Bitcoin traded lower in global markets. Over the past day, Bitcoin fell to $87,507.51, marking a 1.96% decline.

Bitcoin's price data began at approximately $89,000, followed by a period of non-volatile trading, after which selling pressure ramped up in the afternoon session. The downward trend carried prices to roughly $86,500, after which Bitcoin moved sideways around the $87,500 level.

The total market capitalization was $1.74 trillion, a 1.95% decrease. The trading activity increased to $31.68 billion, a 5.33% rise. The fully diluted valuation of Bitcoin was $1.83 trillion.

The circulating supply was at 19.96 million BTC, matching the total supply, while the maximum limit remained at 21 million BTC. The market cap was 1.82%. With the proliferation of cases involving the use of digital assets, many are concerned about how secure cryptocurrencies are once police have access to personal devices.

Also Read: Russian Crypto Mogul and Wife Killed in UAE After Suspected Kidnapping Plot

Conclusion

A Russian court sentenced a Ufa traffic police officer to 7 years in prison for Bitcoin theft totaling 20 million rubles. The case involved phone seizures, unauthorized wallet transfers, and violence. It also unfolded as Bitcoin prices declined. The ruling reinforces accountability for digital asset abuse during law enforcement procedures.