Spanish Police Seize Crypto Wallets During Illegal Manga Raid

(AsiaGameHub) –   Spanish law enforcement confiscated cryptocurrency cold storage devices as part of a piracy probe involving what officials described as the nation’s most significant unauthorized Spanish-language manga website.

Key Details

• Law enforcement recovered two cold wallets containing approximately €400,000.**
• A trio of individuals was taken into custody in Almería.**
• Officials have not disclosed if they possess the means to unlock the assets.**

Cryptocurrency Wallets Discovered Concealed in Wall Thermometer

Authorities in Spain apprehended three individuals in Almería following a search of a suspected illicit manga distribution network that had been active since 2014.

According to the Interior Ministry, the website provided complimentary access to pirated manga content, primarily funding its operations through ad revenue. Officials estimate the platform generated over €4 million throughout its ten-year existence.

In the course of the operation, officers discovered two crypto cold wallets concealed within a wall-mounted thermometer. Police reported that the hardware contained roughly €400,000, equivalent to about $467,000.

The incident highlights a recurring challenge for law enforcement: the physical possession of a hardware wallet does not guarantee access to the digital assets stored within. Authorities have not confirmed whether they have obtained the necessary recovery seeds, PINs, or security credentials to manage the funds.

The inquiry was launched in June 2025 following reports from copyright holders. This seizure underscores the increasing prevalence of cryptocurrency storage hardware in criminal investigations extending well beyond financial fraud, reaching into realms like digital piracy and intellectual property enforcement.