Police Scotland has revealed a shocking 2,000% increase in cryptocurrency-related crimes since 2019, highlighting the adaptability of criminal groups who leverage digital assets for illicit activities. This rise underscores the increasing significance of cryptocurrency in both fraud and organized crime across Scotland. While exact figures remain unclear, Police Scotland acknowledges its current lack of a dedicated crypto enforcement unit. However, to combat this growing threat, they are bolstering investigative resources by utilizing advanced tracing tools, aligning with best practices in law enforcement globally. 2025 annual reports show the force is actively participating in the national Cryptocurrency Working Group, which focuses on strategy and training for tackling cryptocurrency-related crimes, aiming to equip officers with specialized knowledge through expert witness testimony. This follows a significant legal milestone in Scotland where prosecutors successfully applied proceeds of crime laws to convert stolen cryptocurrency into cash. The High Court in Edinburgh approved converting 23.5 Bitcoin linked to John Ross Rennie into £109,601. This case established a precedent and paves the way for a modernized approach with the proposed Cyber and Fraud Command. Scotland is not alone in its fight against crypto-related crime. Canada’s Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) has partnered with major cryptocurrency ATM operators to launch public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing scams, emphasizing the irreversible nature of transactions and common fraud tactics.