Wiltshire Police officers honoured for cracking cryptocurrency scheme

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TWO Wiltshire Police officers have been awarded a Chief Constables’ Certificate of Excellence for their dedication to their jobs.

Financial investigator Hayley Chapman and Detective Constable Tom Turner received the award for the contribution they made in the investigation, tracing and evidencing of cryptocurrency, and recovery of assets through the Proceeds of Crime Act regime.

In 2019, the Digital Investigations and Intelligence Unit attended a cannabis factory following the discovery of an open laptop and a USB device.  

Hayley Chapman worked closely with DC Tom Turner to understand the scale of the criminality and the methodology by which the proceeds of crime had been disguised and channelled through crypto transactions.  

They produced an audit trail of the cryptocurrency movements and, despite being unable to establish the destination of the funds, successfully argued that these existed as a hidden asset.  

This award recognises their persistent and tenacious investigation, which not only secured justice but also proved that the proceeds of crime cannot be hidden or disguised online.  

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Hayley Chapman and DC Tom Turner receive their awards from Wiltshire Chief Constable Kier Pritchard. Photo: Wiltshire Police Hayley Chapman and DC Tom Turner receive their awards from Wiltshire Chief Constable Kier Pritchard. Photo: Wiltshire Police (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Their awards were spotlighted at the Wiltshire Police Awards on Tuesday, January 24 at the Chalk Barn in Pewsey to recognise acts of selfless duty, courage, compassion and professionalism.

In his final awards ceremony before retiring later thjs year, Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: "As most of you know, I will be retiring in the coming months so tonight is my final chance to pay tribute to the incredible work, compassion and dedication of those who choose policing as their vocation.

“Our Force awards ceremonies are extremely special; they are a moment for us to stop and reflect on the service you have provided, often across decades, and a time to recognise those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

“Police officers, police staff and volunteers take up this vocation, knowing the risks and dangers, yet freely commit themselves to protect others.”

The Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Judge Simon Cooper, the High Sheriff of Wiltshire Lady Fiona Lansdowne and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Russell Holland also attended the awards ceremony.

Long Service Awards: Chief Inspector James, Sergeant James Robbins, PC Darren Foulger, PC Lee Pelling, Catrina Hopkins, Clare Mills, Veronica Brown, and Special Constables Selena Humphrey and Nigel Todd.

Chief Constable’s Commendations: Sergeant Chris Noke, PC Luke Wheeler and PC Luke Hobbs.

Chief Constable’s Certificate of Recognition: Adam Jones and Reece Stapleton.

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