A senior White House advisor specializing in digital asset policy confirmed on Tuesday that the substantial amount of Bitcoin forfeited in relation to the ongoing Samourai Wallet case will not be liquidated. Instead, the funds will be transferred directly into the United States’ strategic reserve.
The forfeiture stems from the April indictment and subsequent arrest of Samourai Wallet founders, Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill, on charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Authorities seized millions of dollars worth of Bitcoin associated with the illegal mixing services provided by the platform.
The White House’s decision to retain the forfeited Bitcoin marks a significant strategic shift from previous government practices, where seized cryptocurrencies, notably those from the Silk Road case, were often auctioned off quickly to recoup losses and avoid price fluctuation risk. Keeping the assets in reserve suggests the government is beginning to view large cryptocurrency holdings as strategic national assets rather than just immediate sources of funds.
The advisor emphasized that this strategy is aimed at preserving maximum long-term value and preventing potential market disruption that a large, immediate sale of Bitcoin could trigger. The decision provides clarity on how federal agencies plan to manage and monetize complex digital asset seizures moving forward, signaling a more cautious and deliberate approach to crypto management at the highest levels of government.
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