- The U.S. government holds 210,429 BTC, mainly acquired through legal seizures, making it one of the world’s largest Bitcoin holders.
- By selling off 195,092 BTC, the government missed potential gains of over $6 billion, according to data analyst Jameson Lopp.
The United States government, as of October 31, holds a significant 210,429 BTC, valued at over $7.2 billion. This data comes directly from Glassnode, a leading on-chain analytics firm. Unlike regular market participants, the government did not acquire these holdings through standard market transactions or mining. Their massive stash has been amassed predominantly through seizures from various legal actions.
Potential Gains Overlooked
As reported by Crypto News Flash, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have, over the years, confiscated vast amounts of Bitcoin. Notably, the government has resold only a fraction of these seized assets at public auction. Recent data analysis by Jameson Lopp, co-founder of Bitcoin custody firm Casa, reveals a striking revelation. The U.S. government, by selling off a significant 195,092 BTC, overlooked an opportunity to gain over $6 billion.
These figures are especially poignant when considering the U.S. government’s position as one of the world’s most substantial Bitcoin holders, rivaled only by Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto. Even large corporate treasuries, such as the one held by MicroStrategy, fall short, holding 158,245 BTC valued at a noteworthy $5.43 billion.
Legal Seizures Boost Bitcoin Holdings
Several high-profile legal actions have significantly contributed to the U.S. government’s Bitcoin reserves. A notable instance from early 2022 saw the government’s inventory swell by nearly 100,000 BTC, worth approximately $3.6 billion. Decisive legal action against individuals accused of laundering funds from the 2016 Bitfinex hack, a major cryptocurrency exchange, caused this substantial increase.
The government’s intervention in the digital currency sector isn’t limited to recent actions. Historical instances, such as the 2013 shutdown of the Silk Road online drug marketplace, allowed the U.S. to seize a considerable Bitcoin sum. The Bitfinex cyber attack, which occurred around six years ago, also resulted in a hefty Bitcoin seizure by the Justice Department. Further contributions to these staggering figures include cases against Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan.
Critical Voices Rise
While the U.S. government continues to solidify its position as a significant Bitcoin holder, it hasn’t been without criticism. Billionaire Tim Draper, one of the prominent voices in the Bitcoin community and an original BTC auction bidder, has openly criticized the U.S. administration. Draper recently pinpointed policy missteps as a deterrent to the crypto industry’s growth, suggesting that they hinder the prosperity of tech-centric regions like Silicon Valley.
Moreover, the U.S. government’s approach to its Bitcoin holdings, particularly its propensity to sell prematurely, has been under scrutiny. While some of the seized assets have been auctioned off, it’s evident from the data that potential gains were missed due to the timing of these sales.
The U.S. government’s role as a dominant Bitcoin holder is undeniable. With holdings amassed primarily through legal seizures, it stands distinct from other major players in the cryptocurrency arena. As the digital currency landscape continues to evolve, the government’s position and its potential missed opportunities remain subjects of discussion and analysis among industry experts and observers.
