Bit2Me Launches Bit2Shield: A Dedicated Unit for Law Enforcement Crypto Seizures

Spain’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Bit2Me, has established a new dedicated unit to support law enforcement in tracking and securing digital assets. The newly formed company, Bit2Shield, will assist police, courts, and financial institutions with tracing, seizing, storing, and selling cryptocurrencies.

Bit2Shield is legally registered as CryptoShield S.L. and will operate as a specialized arm of the exchange. Its primary role is to aid investigators during searches and asset seizures by extracting wallet data, locating crypto holdings, and producing digitally signed forensic reports that can be used in legal proceedings.

Expanding Institutional Support

Beyond seizure operations, Bit2Shield will also investigate fraud cases, verify the origin of funds, and provide training for police officers, judges, and banking personnel. This initiative formalizes work Bit2Me had already been performing for public authorities over the past year.

In 2025 alone, the exchange processed €1.5 million ($1.74 million) in seized crypto for agencies including Interpol, Europol, and the Spanish police. To carry out these operations, Bit2Me used blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis to trace the digital assets before converting them into euros for state custody.

How Bit2Shield Operates

The new unit will arrange for seized assets to be stored in cold wallets that require multiple signatures, ensuring enhanced security. When authorities order a sale, Bit2Shield will execute it and transfer the proceeds in euros directly to government bank accounts.

Bit2Shield also clarifies its regulatory standing. It is not classified as a crypto service provider under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, because its focus is on investigations, forensics, and training rather than offering crypto services directly.

Any conversion of crypto into euros will be handled by Bitcoinforme S.L., Bit2Me’s entity authorized by Spain’s securities regulator under MiCA. This separation ensures full compliance with European rules while maintaining specialized expertise in law enforcement support.

Leadership and Backing

Heading Bit2Shield’s investigations is Adrián Maroño, a former member of the Spanish Civil Guard’s Central Operational Unit (UCO). His background in high-level crime investigation brings significant experience to the unit’s operations.

Bit2Me has received backing from prominent financial and corporate players, including Bankinter, Unicaja, Cecabank, Telefónica, and Tether. This investor confidence underscores the exchange's broader strategy to expand beyond retail trading and become a key infrastructure provider for banks and public institutions.

Industry Implications

The launch of Bit2Shield represents a notable step in bridging the gap between the crypto industry and law enforcement. As digital asset crime becomes more sophisticated, dedicated units like this one offer a practical solution for authorities seeking to trace and recover illicit funds.

By formalizing its previous collaboration with international agencies, Bit2Me positions itself as a critical partner in the fight against crypto-related financial crimes. The move also highlights the growing trend of crypto exchanges diversifying into regulatory and forensic services, which could become a standard part of the industry ecosystem.

Coinasity's Take

Bit2Me’s launch of Bit2Shield is a strategic move that solidifies its role as a bridge between the crypto ecosystem and legal authorities. By offering specialized tracing and seizure services, the exchange not only expands into a lucrative niche but also strengthens its reputation with regulators. This development is a reminder that compliance and collaboration with law enforcement are increasingly vital for crypto businesses aiming for long-term sustainability.

Furthermore, the clear separation between Bit2Shield’s investigative work and Bitcoinforme’s regulated conversion services demonstrates a thoughtful approach to MiCA compliance. As European regulations tighten, such structures will likely become a template for others in the industry. Overall, this move reinforces the idea that crypto and law enforcement can work together effectively, which bodes well for mainstream adoption.