Interesting to see how bitcoin is, and therefore how other virtual currencies are being brought into the realm of English Law through this case. Congratulations to Stewarts on successfully taking this approach - and they have a great write up of the case here: http://bit.ly/2KLm1Bk.
Bitcoin and other forms of virtual currency are becoming increasingly relevant to any type of dispute and investigation as they are used not only for nefarious purposes but also as legitimate investments and form of asset. Therefore, they need to be fully considered when approaching a dispute or an investigation.
This should extend from the asset search/identification process to also include an element of computer forensics, looking for potential use of and reference to virtual currencies on relevant digital systems.
The use of this type of asset and technology will only increase, therefore it is something everyone should be considering.
A judge sitting in the Commercial Court in London has granted an asset preservation order over more than £1 million of bitcoin stolen in a so-called spear phishing attack. In the first case of its kind in England and Wales, Mrs Justice Moulder issued the order applied for by Liam Robertson, one of the largest cryptocurrency traders in Europe and the Middle East and chief executive of Alphabit Fund, a digital asset management advisory and management business.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/business/preservation-order-made-on-stolen-bitcoin-h9xz9hf9j
