A long-running assumption about how the U.S. government handles seized Bitcoin is now being challenged, following confirmation tied to the Samourai Wallet case.
Officials have verified that the Bitcoin forfeited in the investigation has not been sold and will not be liquidated in the future, signaling a meaningful change in how digital assets seized by law enforcement are treated.
Key Takeaways
Bitcoin seized in the Samourai Wallet case has not been sold and will not be liquidated.
The assets will remain on the U.S. government balance sheet under Executive Order 14233.
This marks a shift away from the long-standing practice of selling seized crypto.
Reduced risk of government-driven Bitcoin sell pressure could help stabilize markets.
DOJ confirmation calms liquidation concerns
The clarification followed weeks of speculation that Bitcoin connected to Samourai Wallet may have already been sold. Those fears intensified after the wallet’s developers pleaded guilty, an outcome that in previous cases would typically be followed by rapid asset liquidation.
Instead, the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that no sale took place. According to an update shared by Patrick Witt, the seized Bitcoin will remain on the U.S. government’s balance sheet under Executive Order 14233, which mandates that forfeited Bitcoin be retained rather than sold.
A break from past practice in crypto seizures
Historically, seized Bitcoin was auctioned or sold on the open market, often introducing unexpected supply during fragile market conditions. Those sales frequently attracted criticism from investors and lawmakers, who argued that government-led liquidations amplified volatility.
The Samourai Wallet decision marks a clear break from that approach. By choosing to hold the Bitcoin, the U.S. government is effectively reframing seized digital assets as something to be managed strategically, rather than immediately monetized after a legal case concludes.
What this means for Bitcoin markets and policy
Keeping forfeited Bitcoin off the market reduces the risk of sudden sell pressure tied to enforcement actions. Government-controlled wallets have long been monitored for signs of potential sales, with any movement often sparking speculation and price swings.
More broadly, the move suggests closer coordination between law enforcement and policymakers. Rather than acting in isolation, agencies now appear aligned with a wider strategy that treats Bitcoin as a long-term asset with potential strategic value.
