The bitcoins that disappeared while in the custody of the Judicial Police now have a new trail leading to Canada, where a citizen of that country may be involved in the case. However, the couple whose cryptocurrencies were seized publicly expresses their suspicions about this lead, believing that the investigation should first look within the institution itself.
The couple was acquitted of the charges and a court decision has already determined the return of the digital assets. Despite the court order, the return has not yet been carried out, leaving the owners in a legal limbo while they wait for the PJ and the Public Ministry to comply with what was decided by the courts.
In statements to CNN Portugal, the owners of the bitcoins expressed their frustration and distrust regarding the new investigation. "I think the culprits are much closer, there's no need to go to Canada to find culprits," they stated, suggesting that the responsibility for the disappearance of the assets may be closer than the authorities seem willing to acknowledge.
The case continues to raise questions about the security and control of digital assets seized by Portuguese authorities, as well as about the compliance with judicial decisions by the competent institutions.
