US seeks to claim $2.4M in Bitcoin seized from ransomware group

The United States has filed a civilian ailment seeking the forfeiture of $2.4 cardinal successful Bitcoin seized by the Dallas FBI, bolstering the projected US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

The civilian ailment filed successful the Northern District of Texas connected Thursday calls for the forfeiture of 20.2 Bitcoin (BTC) seized from an code allegedly associated with a subordinate of the Chaos ransomware group, which has been tied to ransomware attacks, the Texas US Attorney’s Office said successful a connection connected Monday.

Dallas FBI executed the crypto seizure connected April 15 this year, according to the complaint, alleging it was the proceeds of “unlawful activity” related to ransomware attacks.

If the seizure is successful, the Bitcoin could adhd to the US Bitcoin reserve, which US President Donald Trump mandated successful his March 6 enforcement bid would beryllium created done tokens seized done transgression oregon civilian plus forfeiture.

Source: Texas US Attorney’s Office

Doubt raised astir US government’s Bitcoin holdings

It’s estimated that the US authorities holds 198,012 BTC of Bitcoin by Nansen, Arkham and BitcoinTreasuries.NET, seized done assorted seizures implicit the years; however, a state of accusation petition from an autarkic writer precocious called that into question.

The writer who posts connected X nether the grip L0la L33tz said connected July 16 that they had received a effect from the Department of Justice regarding a state of accusation petition made successful March, which revealed the United States Marshals Service (USMS) lone held somewhat much than 28,988 Bitcoin.

However, successful a consequent post, L0la L33tz said the fig shared doesn’t instrumentality into relationship seizing agencies, similar the DEA oregon the FBI, “meaning that determination whitethorn beryllium different custody offices than the USMS.”

Source: L0la L33tz

Blockchain analytics steadfast Arkham made akin claims connected July 23, pointing retired that “other departments of the US Government besides prehend and clasp Bitcoin, including the FBI, DOJ, DEA, and US Attorney’s Offices.”

Arkham said US authorities hasn’t sold Bitcoin

Arkham maintains that its information shows the US authorities holds astatine slightest 198,000 crossed aggregate addresses held by antithetic authorities arms, and nary person moved for 4 months.

Source: Arkham

L0la L33tz, however, argued that immoderate of the trackers “don’t look to differentiate betwixt seized and forfeited coins,” successful immoderate cases, the presumption of the assets arsenic either seized oregon forfeited is inactive up successful the air.

“To the geniuses that person linked Arkham ‘s gov wallet tracker: these bash not look to beryllium BTC that person been made the Govs spot - astatine slightest not exclusively - which means they can’t merchantability them,” L0la L33tz said.

Related: Coinbase claims ‘key role’ successful Secret Service’s biggest-ever crypto seizure

US States are pursuing suit

At slightest 30 US states person besides introduced Bitcoin strategical reserve legislation, according to Bitcoin Laws. However, lone Arizona, Texas and New Hampshire person passed related laws arsenic of July 29. 

Dozens person failed and been voted down by lawmakers earlier making it past the archetypal committee phase. 

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