CPS authorises charges against NCA officer
Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime Division, said: “We have authorised Merseyside Police to charge National Crime Agency officer Paul Chowles with 15 offences relating to the alleged theft of 50 Bitcoin, worth nearly £60,000 in 2017, during an investigation into online organised crime.
“Mr Chowles, 42, is due to be charged with 11 offences of concealing, disguising, or converting criminal property, three offences of acquiring, using or possessing converting criminal property and a single count of theft.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Notes to editors
- Paul Chowles, [DOB: 30/08/1982], of Bristol, is an operational officer with the National Crime Agency (NCA).
- He is charged with 11 counts of concealing, disguising, or converting criminal property, contrary to section 327(1) and 334 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, three counts of acquiring, using or possessing criminal property, contrary to section 329(1) and 334 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and a single count of theft, contrary to section 1 of the Theft Act 1968.
- He will appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on 25 April 2025.
- The CPS Special Crime Division deals with some of the most complex and sensitive cases in England and Wales including disasters, serious criminal allegations against police officers, corporate manslaughter and election offences.