US Government’s Secret Bitcoin Stash: 198,000 BTC!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a commission (with No additional cost for you) if you make a purchase via our link. See our disclosure for more info. The crypto world is constantly changing. This content is for informational purposes only and not financial, legal, or professional advice So, please verify the info on the cryptocurrency provider’s websites.
Arkham Intelligence's recent report reveals the US government holds at least 198,000 Bitcoin, worth approximately $23.4 billion, across various agencies. This contradicts previous reports showing only 28,988 BTC held by the Marshals Service. The discrepancy caused a brief market panic, but Arkham clarified that the larger figure includes Bitcoin seized by the FBI, IRS, DEA, and the Justice Department from various cases. A significant portion (114,599 BTC) stems from the 2016 Bitfinex hack case against Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan, while Silk Road-related seizures contribute another 94,643 BTC. Smaller seizures from cases like Alameda Research and HashFlare scammers also add to the total. While the government has sold some Bitcoin in the past (9,861 BTC in March 2023, 10,000 BTC in August 2024, and another 10,000 BTC in December 2024), the majority of the holdings, particularly those from the Bitfinex and Silk Road cases, remain untouched for at least four months. The lack of a centralized, publicly accessible ledger for government Bitcoin holdings fuels speculation and market volatility. Arkham's findings highlight the substantial, yet largely hidden, Bitcoin reserves held by the US government, dispelling the initial panic caused by incomplete data. The report emphasizes the need for more transparency in government cryptocurrency holdings to avoid future market disruptions caused by conflicting information and speculation.
