Introduction of Bit2Shield
In a significant development within the cryptocurrency landscape, Bit2Me, Spain’s leading digital asset exchange, has unveiled a specialized entity named Bit2Shield, formally registered as CryptoShield S.L.. This newly established unit aims to assist courts, law enforcement, and financial institutions in the tracking, confiscation, safe storage, and eventual liquidation of cryptocurrencies that are part of legal investigations.
Comprehensive Services Offered
According to Bit2Me’s announcement, Bit2Shield will provide comprehensive services that support the entire process from when digital assets are first identified in investigations to their subsequent sale upon judicial orders. The unit is designed to enhance the capabilities of investigators by:
- Facilitating the extraction of data from cryptocurrency wallets
- Pinpointing digital assets
- Producing forensic reports that are court-ready
Furthermore, Bit2Shield will aid in a range of investigations including fraud cases and verifying sources of funds, while also offering training to police officers, magistrates, and banking institutions on matters concerning digital assets. This initiative officially codifies a series of services that Bit2Me has previously supplied to various governmental entities.
Past Achievements and Security Measures
The Spanish exchange has been active in the field; in 2025 alone, it managed approximately €1.5 million (about $1.74 million) worth of cryptocurrencies that were seized at the behest of agencies such as Interpol and Europol. The process involved utilizing the expertise of Chainalysis, a blockchain analytics firm, to trace assets before converting them into euros for governmental use.
Upon successfully identifying and seizing digital assets, Bit2Shield will ensure their security by storing them in cold wallets that utilize multi-signature protocols. These assets will remain in custody until authorities provide directives regarding their disposal. In instances when a judicial mandate for sale is issued, Bit2Shield will orchestrate the transaction, while the conversion from cryptocurrency to euros will be executed through Bitcoinforme S.L., a Bit2Me subsidiary that is authorized by Spain’s financial regulatory body in accordance with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation.
Regulatory Distinctions and Strategic Moves
Bit2Me has clarified that, while Bit2Shield plays a crucial role in law enforcement and forensic activities, it does not qualify as a crypto-asset service provider under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, which was fully operational after July 1. This distinction separates Bit2Shield’s activities from those related to the regulated conversion of digital currencies into fiat, which will continue to be managed by Bitcoinforme.
The establishment of this forensic unit is a strategic move correlating with Bit2Me’s recent expansions into infrastructure for traditional financial sectors. In a relevant development, Cecabank, a prominent Spanish banking group, launched a regulated cryptocurrency platform aimed at financial institutions after receiving MiCA authorization, utilizing Bit2Me for trade execution and liquidity needs while Cecabank oversees institutional custody and banking infrastructure. This collaboration, which kicked off after a partnership in May 2024, signals a growing integration of cryptocurrency services within established financial frameworks.
Investment and Global Trends
Investors and stakeholders including Tether have recognized Bit2Me’s potential; Tether took a minority stake in the exchange in 2025, leading a €30 million fundraising round meant to fuel its growth across Europe and Latin America. Other supporters include major firms in the banking sector such as Bankinter and Telefónica.
The introduction of Bit2Shield coincides with a rising global trend where law enforcement agencies are increasingly seeking the expertise of specialized firms to manage seized cryptocurrencies. For instance, in South Korea, a contract was awarded to Dunamu, the operator of the Upbit exchange, to securely hold confiscated crypto assets.
In Spain, authorities have encountered similar challenges in handling recovered cryptocurrencies, illustrated by a case in April where police seized nearly €400,000 worth of digital assets during an investigation into a manga piracy ring.
Leadership and Future Goals
Bit2Shield’s operations will be led by Adrián Maroño, a distinguished former member of the Spanish Civil Guard’s Central Operational Unit (UCO), who will oversee all forensic and investigative endeavors for the company, aiming to provide vital support to both the judicial and financial systems dealing with cryptocurrency-related issues.
