AA v Persons Unknown, Re Bitcoin [2019] EWHC 3556 (Comm)

AA v Persons Unknown, Re Bitcoin (2019) confirmed that cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) should be recognised as property capable of being the subject of a proprietary injunction. The case potentially sets a precedent in dealing with crypto assets in the context of cybercrime and ransom payments.

AA v Persons Unknown, Re Bitcoin [2019] EWHC 3556 (Comm)
This post critically analyses the case of AA v Persons Unknown, Re Bitcoin, focusing on the legal issues, material facts, judgment, legal principles and the legal reasoning.

🏛️ Court: Queen's Bench Division (Commercial Court)
🗓️ Judgment Date: 17 January 2020
🗂️ Where Reported: [2019] EWHC 3556 (Comm); [2020] 4 W.L.R. 35
đź“Ť Jurisdiction: United Kingdom

The legal issue in AA v Persons Unknown centres on classifying cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin, as property under English law, enabling it to be the subject of a proprietary injunction.

A company insured against cyber attacks paid hackers a ransom in Bitcoin to regain access to its encrypted computer systems.

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