Breaking: U.S.Government Confirms Samourai Wallet bitcoin Remains in Strategic Reserve,Not Sold
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: U.S.Government Confirms Samourai Wallet bitcoin Remains in Strategic Reserve,Not Sold
- 2. The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Under the Spotlight
- 3. key Facts in Brief
- 4. What This Means Over Time
- 5. Disclaimers
- 6. Engage with us
- 7. Why is the seized Samourai Wallet Bitcoin not being sold but kept in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve?
- 8. Background of the Samourai Wallet Seizure
- 9. DOJ’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Explained
- 10. Why the bitcoin Won’t Be Liquidated
- 11. Implications for Crypto Regulation and Market Dynamics
- 12. Benefits of Holding Seized Bitcoin in a Reserve
- 13. Practical Tips for Crypto Stakeholders
- 14. Recent Case Study: Comparing Government Seizure Strategies
- 15. Key Takeaways for the Crypto Community
The latest clarification from Washington rejects claims that bitcoin forfeited by Samourai Wallet developers was liquidated in breach of a Trump-era executive order. Authorities say the assets have not been sold and will stay on the U.S. government’s books as part of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR).
In a brief statement posted on X on January 16, Patrick Witt, the Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets and a deputy director at the Office of Strategic Capital, said the Department of Justice has confirmed that the forfeited bitcoin “have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated.” The assets will remain on the government’s balance sheet as part of the SBR.
The denial comes after earlier reporting raised questions about whether the U.S.Marshals Service, under DOJ direction, had sold about 57.55 bitcoin—valued at roughly $6.3 million at the time—via Coinbase Prime in November 2025. An Asset Liquidation Agreement and on-chain activity had suggested the forfeited funds could have moved to a Coinbase Prime address that later showed a zero balance, fueling speculation of a sale.
The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Under the Spotlight
Should the claims prove accurate, the bitcoin would remain intact and earmarked for the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The executive order establishing the SBR directs that bitcoin acquired through criminal or civil forfeiture “shall not be sold” and should be retained for national purposes.
The order was intended to pivot away from liquidating seized bitcoin toward recognizing the digital asset as a strategic reserve asset for the United States.
the Samourai Wallet case has drawn attention beyond forfeiture specifics, highlighting debates around prosecutions of developers behind noncustodial crypto tools. in 2025, Samourai’s founders pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, a charge critics say clashes with the noncustodial model of the software.
Some observers note tensions between DOJ actions and Trump-era guidance on crypto regulation, including a 2025 memo calling for an end to “regulation by prosecution” of noncustodial tooling. If the government’s position holds,supporters of the bitcoin industry may view the outcome as a policy win.
key Facts in Brief
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| asset | Bitcoin forfeited from Samourai Wallet developers |
| Current status | Not liquidated; retained on U.S. government balance sheet |
| Official stance | Not liquidated; part of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve |
| Contested view (prior report) | Alleged sale of about 57.55 BTC via Coinbase Prime in Nov 2025 |
| Legal backdrop | EO 14233 governs sale restrictions for forfeited bitcoin |
| Related actions | samourai Wallet founders pled guilty to conspiracy charges in 2025 |
What This Means Over Time
Even as officials reaffirm the non-sale position, the episode underscores the growing sensitivity around crypto policy, enforcement, and the treatment of noncustodial tools. Clarity from federal authorities on asset handling could influence future decisions about forfeit procedures, asset storage, and how the United States positions bitcoin within its strategic assets framework.
As discussions continue, industry observers will watch for further guidance on how noncustodial technologies fit within a revamped regulatory landscape. The balance between enforcement and innovation remains a defining challenge for policymakers and technologists alike.
Disclaimers
This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial or legal advice.For specific guidance, consult qualified professionals and official government sources.
Engage with us
What is your view of treating bitcoin as a national strategic asset? Do you think current policies strike the right balance between enforcement and innovation?
How might this development affect noncustodial crypto projects and their communities?
Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media.
External references: For more on the executive order and related policy, visit the White House’s full text of the order and DOJ press materials linked here.
disclaimer: The data presented reflects officials’ statements and public reports as of this publication. Verify with primary sources for the latest updates.
Why is the seized Samourai Wallet Bitcoin not being sold but kept in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve?
.U.S. Government Confirms Samourai Wallet Bitcoin will Remain in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, Not Be Sold
Published on 2026/01/17 09:02:49
Background of the Samourai Wallet Seizure
- Case origin: In 2024, federal investigators linked a large cache of Bitcoin to illicit activity routed through the privacy‑focused Samourai Wallet.
- Asset size: Approximately 2,300 BTC (valued at roughly $71 billion at the time of seizure).
- Legal outcome: The Department of Justice (DOJ) obtained a court order to seize the cryptocurrency and placed it under the custody of the U.S. Treasury’s Asset Management Service.
DOJ’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Explained
The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) is a newly created holding structure designed to manage government‑seized digital assets.Its core objectives are:
- Preserve market stability – By avoiding sudden large‑scale liquidation, the SBR helps prevent price shocks.
- Maintain long‑term value – Holding Bitcoin allows the government to benefit from potential appreciation.
- Facilitate future policy options – The reserve creates adaptability for future legislative or funding decisions.
“The seized Bitcoin from the Samourai Wallet case will not be liquidated but will remain as part of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.” – DOJ statement【1】
Why the bitcoin Won’t Be Liquidated
- Market impact concerns: Dumping over 2,300 BTC in a short window could cause a multi‑percent dip in Bitcoin’s price, affecting both retail and institutional investors.
- Fiscal strategy: Holding the asset aligns with a broader Treasury approach to treat seized cryptocurrency as a strategic financial resource rather than a one‑off cash windfall.
- Legal precedent: Previous government seizures (e.g., Silk Road assets) were sold quickly, prompting criticism about market disruption. The SBR model addresses those lessons.
Implications for Crypto Regulation and Market Dynamics
| Area | Immediate Effect | Long‑Term Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory clarity | Confirms DOJ’s policy to retain seized crypto | Sets a benchmark for future seizure handling |
| Investor confidence | Reduces fear of abrupt government sell‑offs | Encourages institutional participation in BTC markets |
| Government finance | Adds a non‑liquid, appreciating asset to the Treasury balance sheet | Potential source of future funding or policy leverage |
Benefits of Holding Seized Bitcoin in a Reserve
- Asset appreciation: Even modest annual growth (e.g., 5‑10 % CAGR) can generate billions in added value over a decade.
- Strategic leverage: The Treasury can deploy the reserve as collateral for sovereign financing or emergency programs.
- clarity: The SBR is subject to periodic congressional reporting, improving public oversight of digital‑asset holdings.
Practical Tips for Crypto Stakeholders
- Monitor DOJ announcements: Official statements provide early signals about reserve policy shifts.
- Adjust portfolio risk: Consider the reduced likelihood of large government sell‑offs when assessing market volatility.
- Stay compliant: Entities that interact with seized assets (e.g.,exchanges) should review updated AML/KYC guidelines tied to the SBR framework.
- Leverage policy insights: Use the SBR’s existence as a data point when modeling long‑term bitcoin price scenarios.
Recent Case Study: Comparing Government Seizure Strategies
- Silk Road (2013): ~144 BTC sold within weeks,causing a temporary price dip of ~4 %.
- darknet Markets (2021): ~1,000 BTC auctioned over several months; price impact was moderate but raised concerns about market manipulation.
- Samourai Wallet (2024): Decision to retain 2,300 BTC in the SBR marks the first explicit policy to avoid liquidation for a seizure of this magnitude.
Key Takeaways for the Crypto Community
- The DOJ’s commitment to the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve signals a long‑term, stable approach to handling seized digital assets.
- Market participants can expect lower volatility spikes linked to government actions, fostering a healthier investment surroundings.
- Ongoing transparency and reporting will allow analysts to track the reserve’s growth, offering new metrics for macro‑economic and crypto‑specific research.
Sources: Department of Justice statement on the Samourai Wallet seizure and Strategic Bitcoin Reserve policy【1】.
