Attackers stole $ 45,000 worth of cryptocurrency from the New Zealand police's bitcoin wallet in operation against them.
Law enforcement officers conducted an online investigation into money laundering, but as a result, they lost funds.
On the fact of theft, the department opened a criminal case and also conducted two internal investigations.
Trending: Salvadorans are against buying bitcoins at the expense of the budget
According to Detective Inspector Stuart Mills, the perpetrators of the theft "were probably overseas," and "the crime was part of a broader scam targeting bitcoin wallets."
The internal investigation did not reveal any violations of standard procedures during the operation by personnel. Detective Inspector Christian Barnard of the Police Financial Intelligence, who conducted it, gave several recommendations for improving the processes.
The law enforcement officers acquired the cryptocurrency in 2020, and it was intended for a "controlled purchase" - a special operation when police officers try to purchase illegal goods or services.