Movie2k Streaming Portal Case: Leipzig Trial Focuses on €2.6 Billion Bitcoin Fortune
Leipzig, Germany – A high-stakes trial commenced today, February 24, 2026, at the Leipzig Regional Court, centering around the illegal streaming platform movie2k.to and a substantial fortune amassed through Bitcoin. The proceedings will determine the fate of approximately €2.64 billion ($2.86 billion USD) derived from the sale of seized cryptocurrencies, potentially impacting the future of the case and the distribution of funds.
The Rise and Fall of Movie2k.to
The streaming portal, movie2k.to, operated for years offering hundreds of thousands of pirated films and series. The operators generated significant revenue through advertising contracts, which they then used to acquire Bitcoins. The platform was shut down in 2013, but the subsequent investigation into its operators proved lengthy and complex, spanning international jurisdictions.
Two individuals, including the platform’s programmer, were arrested in late 2019 and subsequently received suspended sentences in 2023 after providing comprehensive confessions and assisting authorities in locating the remaining principal operator. The alleged mastermind behind the operation was apprehended abroad in the same year and is now facing charges.
Charges and Allegations
The primary defendant is accused of money laundering and inciting false suspicion. A second defendant faces charges of money laundering and tax evasion in a lesser capacity. Although the original indictment included accusations of copyright infringement related to approximately 220,000 illegally distributed works, these claims have since expired and are no longer part of the criminal proceedings. The court has scheduled eleven hearing days through mid-May to address the remaining charges.
The Billion-Euro Bitcoin Seizure
A significant portion of the profits generated by movie2k.to was invested in real estate and, crucially, Bitcoin. Following the arrests, suspects transferred approximately 50,000 Bitcoins to investigators – representing the largest cryptocurrency seizure to date by German authorities. The State Criminal Police Office confirmed the size of the seizure.
Concerned about potential value depreciation, the Dresden Public Prosecutor’s Office sold the Bitcoin holdings in tranches during mid-2024. This sale generated approximately €2.64 billion, which is currently held in an account at the state justice fund.
Ownership and Potential Distribution of Funds
Currently, the defendants are considered the owners of the €2.64 billion until a final judgment is reached. If the main defendant is acquitted, the funds will be returned. However, a conviction could lead to the confiscation of the assets. The Commercial Criminal Chamber in Leipzig will then decide on the allocation of these funds.
Potential claims against the funds could come from film companies seeking damages for copyright infringement, as well as tax authorities regarding outstanding liabilities. Any remaining funds after satisfying these claims would revert to the state budget.
Looking Ahead
The outcome of this trial will not only determine the fate of the accused but also establish a precedent for the handling of cryptocurrency seized in criminal investigations. The case highlights the growing intersection of digital piracy, cryptocurrency, and the legal system, and its resolution will be closely watched by both the legal community and the financial world.