In response to a senior White Home crypto adviser, the Bitcoin tied to the Samourai Pockets forfeiture was not liquidated by federal authorities. The property will stay held by the federal government underneath its strategic reserve plan, the adviser stated on social media.
White Home Advisor Confirms No Sale
Studies have disclosed that about 57.55 BTC — roughly $6.3 million at latest costs — moved by means of addresses that some observers tracked, which sparked claims the cash had been bought.
The White Home adviser, Patrick Witt, stepped in to clear up the matter, saying the Division of Justice confirmed there was no sale.
The cash might be stored within the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in keeping with Government Order 14233, signed in March 2025 by US President Donald Trump. That order directs that seized Bitcoin be held slightly than auctioned off.
UPDATE: we’ve got acquired affirmation from DOJ that the digital property forfeited by Samourai Pockets haven’t been liquidated and won’t be liquidated, per EO 14233. They are going to stay on the USG stability sheet as a part of the SBR. https://t.co/v2GchC3vk8
— Patrick Witt (@patrickjwitt) January 16, 2026
Motion Of Cash Triggered Questions
Primarily based on reviews from blockchain analysts, a switch to a Coinbase Prime tackle led to hypothesis a couple of disposal. Market watchers seen the path and raised alarms as a result of a sale might have put additional downward stress on costs.
Some merchants reacted rapidly to the noise. However officers clarify that transfers between custody methods don’t all the time imply liquidation. On this case, the DOJ and associated companies say the switch was an inside custody step and never a sale to non-public patrons.
Background On The Case
The authorized motion towards the Samourai Pockets builders centered on prices tied to operating an unlicensed money-transmitting service and aiding cash laundering by means of mixer instruments.
These charged pleaded responsible. The forfeiture order adopted these convictions, and the Bitcoin in query grew to become a part of the property the federal government controls after the courtroom rulings.
How the federal government manages such holdings has been a fast-moving coverage subject since Government Order 14233 was issued, which set new guidelines for seized crypto.
Coverage And Market Results
In response to officers, holding seized Bitcoin in a nationwide reserve is supposed to keep away from sudden market shocks that would observe giant authorities gross sales.
Some critics argue the reserve provides the federal government a strong monetary device, whereas supporters say it prevents risky swings.
The announcement eased some short-term market worries as a result of uncertainty a couple of attainable sale had been cited as a possible stress level for crypto costs.
Reactions From Business Observers
Primarily based on reviews and social posts from crypto advocates, opinions stay break up. Some welcomed the clarification as stabilizing.
Others need extra transparency on how the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve might be run and when, if ever, cash may go away it.
Lawmakers on each side of the aisle might ask for hearings or written briefings to get clearer solutions about custody practices and future plans.
Featured picture from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
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