US prosecutors’ dealing with of bitcoin forfeited by Samourai Pockets builders is drawing scrutiny after conflicting reviews over whether or not the belongings have been bought.
America Marshals Service (USMS) informed DL Information it “has not bought the Bitcoin talked about,” disputing earlier reporting that prompt the forfeited cash might have been liquidated.
Responsible pleas and forfeiture
In August 2025, Samourai Pockets co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill pleaded responsible within the Southern District of New York to conspiracy to function an unlicensed cash transmitting enterprise.
Prosecutors alleged the service facilitated greater than $200 million in unlawful transactions tied to darknet markets, cybercrime, and fraud.
Appearing US lawyer Nicolas Roos mentioned on the time:
“The defendants created and operated a cryptocurrency mixing service that they knew enabled criminals to clean hundreds of thousands in soiled cash.”
As a part of the plea agreements, the founders agreed to forfeit bitcoin value about $6.37 million, or 57.55 BTC, on the time of switch.
Court docket filings mentioned the forfeiture was pursued below 18 U.S. Code 982.
Switch to Coinbase Prime
Bitcoin Journal beforehand cited an asset liquidation settlement saying the forfeited bitcoin was transferred on Nov. 3, 2025 to a pockets related to Coinbase Prime.
Arkham Intelligence attributed the vacation spot tackle to Coinbase Prime, and the pockets later confirmed a zero steadiness.
Govt order questions
President Trump’s Govt Order 14233, signed March 6, 2025, says bitcoin acquired by means of forfeiture “shall not be bought” and should be positioned into the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
The order states:
“Authorities BTC deposited into the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve shall not be bought and shall be maintained as reserve belongings of the US.”
The USMS mentioned bitcoin liquidations require multi-level approval and that solely belongings assembly the manager order’s necessities are eligible for disposal.