Bitcoin burglaries and the Theft Act 1968

Abstract

Discusses the growing trend for criminals to burgle the homes of bitcoin holders and force them to disclose the password to their cryptocurrency. Reviews the operation of crypto asset systems, and considers, with reference to three hypothetical scenarios, how such "rubber hose" attacks might be prosecuted, including whether they constitute "property" offences for the purposes of theft and burglary convictions under the Theft Act 1968.