US Government Holds $25.49 Billion in Seized Crypto as Bitcoin Transfers Draw Attention

The U.S. government holds $25.49 billion in cryptocurrency at blockchain monitoring addresses tracked by company Arkham, according to a recent estimate. 

Almost all U.S. government funds held at these blockchain monitoring addresses, $25.38 billion, are in Bitcoin. Estimates of government cryptocurrency holdings will increase or decrease along with BTC▲$77,666.00 price movements, even if other funds are not moved to or from these addresses.

The data reflect the values of assets associated with government-specified addresses but do not constitute an official federal balance sheet. Asset values are dynamic, and association of an asset with a wallet does not indicate that the asset has been legally forfeited.

US Government Bitcoin Holdings Dominate Seized Crypto Portfolio

Arkham tracks cryptocurrency linked to government entities involved in criminal investigations and seizures. Other evidence suggests that criminal investigations are among the most common. According to Arkham data, the United States owns the most Bitcoin for sovereign clients in its database.

The portfolio includes assets recovered through law enforcement actions against websites for illegal online activities and other thefts from cryptocurrency exchanges. Assets in the portfolio are held in wallets and other accounts associated with these law enforcement actions and institutions.