U.S. Retains Seized Bitcoin, Confirms No Liquidation
- DOJ confirms retention of seized Samourai Wallet Bitcoin, aligning with strategic reserve plan.
- Bitcoin will not be auctioned, remains a government asset.
- Executive Order impacts market by halting Bitcoin liquidations.
The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that Samourai Wallet Bitcoin assets, seized in a recent case, will not be liquidated but retained under the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve policy.
This decision aims to mitigate market volatility by keeping substantial Bitcoin reserves and signals a shift in U.S. cryptocurrency asset management policy, following Executive Order 14233.
U.S. Department of Justice confirmed retention of seized Bitcoin from Samourai Wallet. The assets remain part of the government’s strategic reserve, avoiding liquidations that could affect market stability.
The decision aligns with Executive Order 14233, issued by former President Donald Trump, outlining the formation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve.
This move removes the risk of increased Bitcoin supply from government auctions, easing market volatility concerns.
The retention policy impacts financial markets, stress-testing institutional holdings.
Legal complexities continue to challenge interdepartmental coordination on seized crypto assets.
The regulatory environment remains pivotal, as ongoing discussions might influence future policy shifts, impacting both decentralization and consolidation within the crypto sector.
“It seems straightforward, but then you get into some obscure legal provisions, and why this agency can’t do it, but actually, this other agency could. We’re continuing to push on that. It is certainly still on the priority list right now.” — Patrick Witt, Executive Director, President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets
