Bit2Me launches Bit2Shield to provide forensic crypto support for law enforcement
The Spanish exchange has created a specialized subsidiary to assist courts and police with blockchain intelligence and the custody of seized assets.
Spanish cryptocurrency exchange Bit2Me has launched Bit2Shield, a specialized subsidiary designed to provide blockchain intelligence and forensic expertise to law enforcement, courts, and banking institutions. The move aims to bridge the technical gap between complex blockchain operations and the rigid procedural requirements of judicial bodies.
Legally operating as Cryptoshield SL, the new unit offers a suite of technical services including blockchain traceability analysis and direct technical assistance during police interventions. To support legal proceedings, Bit2Shield produces digitally signed expert reports that can be submitted as evidence in court. Beyond investigation, the unit provides institutional custody for seized digital assets using multi-signature cold storage and facilitates the liquidation of these assets into euros for public agencies.
Specialized Leadership and Structure
To lead its investigative efforts, Bit2Me has appointed Adrián Maroño as head of investigations. Maroño brings direct state experience to the role, having previously served in the Guardia Civil's Central Operating Unit (UCO), where he specialized in organized crime and technological crime.
From a regulatory standpoint, Bit2Shield is structured to operate outside the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory perimeter because it does not function as a crypto-asset service provider. Instead, the actual conversion of seized assets into fiat currency is handled by Bitcoininforme SL, an entity already authorized by the Spanish National Securities Market Commission (CNMV).
Industry Implications
This launch marks a strategic transition for Bit2Me, moving from a retail-focused exchange to a critical infrastructure partner for the state. By creating a "one-stop shop" for the tracing, seizure, and storage of digital assets, the company is integrating itself directly into the law enforcement pipeline. This model mirrors collaborations seen in the United States, such as the partnership between the US Marshals Service and Coinbase for the management of confiscated assets.
As financial crimes involving cryptocurrency rise and regulatory scrutiny intensifies across Europe, the ability of state agencies to efficiently freeze and liquidate assets is becoming a priority. Bit2Shield's integration of forensic analysis with secure custody could significantly increase the speed and efficiency of crypto-related criminal investigations within the region.
Future Outlook
Observers will now watch how other European exchanges respond to this institutional pivot and whether similar public-private partnerships become the standard for digital asset recovery. While the operational framework is now in place, the long-term impact on the recovery rates of stolen or fraudulent crypto assets in Spain remains to be seen.