Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Australian bitcoin auction nets $22m

About $22 million worth of the digital currency bitcoin have been sold in a global auction, the first of its kind in Australia.

A 25 Bitcoin token at his shop in Sandy, Utah
Australia has sold $22 million worth of the digital currency bitcoin in a global auction. (AAP)

Australia has sold $22 million worth of bitcoins seized as the proceeds of crime in a global auction.

Ernst and Young transactions partner Adam Nikitins said multiple bidders claimed 24,518 units of the digital currency during the auction, which was only the second-ever globally, between June 20-21.

The auction was held last week and E&Y announced the result on Tuesday.

"The auctions were highly successful and all bidders have been notified of the auction outcomes," Mr Nikitins said in a statement.

"The process was very competitive and demonstrates the growing appetite for digital assets such as Bitcoin.

"The value of Bitcoin increased significantly over the past month, however bidding remained strong."

E&Y declined to disclose the price paid by bidders, the number of bidders involved or the seller.

However, BBC and Fairfax Media have reported that more 24,500 bitcoins were seized from convicted Victorian drug dealer Richard Pollard in 2014.

At the time Pollard's bitcoins, which were acquired by selling drugs on the Silk Road website, were subject to a restraining order to be forfeited to the Victorian Department of Justice and sold at auction at a later date.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world