TLDR
- DOJ says seized Samourai Bitcoin will remain on the government’s balance sheet
- EO 14233 bans federal agencies from selling seized digital assets
- $6.3M in BTC movement raised questions but no sale occurred
- Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is managed by the US Treasury
The U.S. Department of Justice has confirmed that Bitcoin seized from the Samourai Wallet case remains in federal custody. The assets are part of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and will not be sold or auctioned.
UPDATE: we have received confirmation from DOJ that the digital assets forfeited by Samourai Wallet have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated, per EO 14233. They will remain on the USG balance sheet as part of the SBR. https://t.co/v2GchC3vk8
— Patrick Witt (@patrickjwitt) January 16, 2026
This comes after on-chain analysts noticed movement of roughly $6.3 million worth of Bitcoin from addresses linked to the case. The transaction caused speculation about whether the DOJ had violated Executive Order 14233.
Executive Order Prohibits Sale of Seized Bitcoin
Executive Order 14233, signed in March 2025 by President Donald Trump, prevents U.S. agencies from selling Bitcoin obtained through forfeiture. The order directs that such assets be held in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, treating them as long-term government holdings.
Patrick Witt, Executive Director of the White House President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, confirmed on social media that the Samourai Bitcoin was not sold. “The digital assets will not be liquidated, per EO 14233,” he posted on X. “They will remain on the USG balance sheet as part of the SBR.”
This reserve, managed by the U.S. Treasury, represents a shift in the way federal authorities treat seized digital assets. Unlike previous years where agencies like the U.S. Marshals Service auctioned off Bitcoin, current policy mandates the assets stay in government control.
$6.3M Bitcoin Movement Sparks Concerns
Earlier this month, blockchain monitoring platforms reported that Bitcoin linked to the Samourai Wallet case had been moved to a Coinbase Prime wallet. The transfer, amounting to about $6.3 million, raised concerns that the government had sold the Bitcoin.
Analysts questioned whether the DOJ or U.S. Marshals Service had liquidated the funds in violation of EO 14233. However, the DOJ’s confirmation has clarified that no sale occurred, and the assets remain in official custody.
The Bitcoin was originally forfeited as part of a plea agreement with the founders of Samourai Wallet, Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill. They were charged in 2024 and 2025 for running an unlicensed money-transmitting business and facilitating money laundering through a crypto mixing service.
Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Holds Government-Owned Crypto
The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is a federal program created to hold seized digital assets for long-term storage. Instead of being sold, these assets are kept under the control of the Treasury to support national interests in digital finance.
This approach marks a departure from past practice where the government regularly auctioned seized cryptocurrency. It also reflects growing recognition of Bitcoin’s role in the global economy and its strategic value to national financial systems.
The 57 Bitcoin forfeited in the Samourai case will now remain part of this reserve. The Treasury has not released a total count of Bitcoin currently held, but experts believe it is among the largest government crypto holdings globally.
Kelvin Munene
Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience in market analysis and expert commentary. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University and is known for meticulous research in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured in top publications including Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Coinedition, and Analytics Insight. Kelvin specializes in uncovering emerging crypto trends and delivering data-driven analyses to help readers make informed decisions. Outside of work, he enjoys chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.
