A brand new controversy is unfolding over the U.S. authorities’s dealing with of Bitcoin, elevating severe questions on whether or not federal businesses are ignoring clear directions from the White Home on constructing a strategic Bitcoin reserve.
In line with a current report in Bitcoin Journal, the US Marshals Service (USMS) might have offered the Bitcoins confiscated by the developer of Samurai Pockets, regardless of an govt order stating that Bitcoins must be held moderately than offered.
what occurred within the samurai incident
Samourai Pockets builders Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill have agreed to forfeit roughly $6.3 million price of Bitcoin as a part of a plea settlement with the U.S. Division of Justice (DOJ). On the time of the settlement in November 2025, this was equal to roughly 57.55 BTC.
Paperwork present that this Bitcoin was transferred instantly after the contract was signed. Blockchain information means that as an alternative of being positioned beneath authorities management, the funds had been despatched on to Coinbase Prime addresses generally used for institutional transactions.
The deal with presently reveals a zero stability, elevating considerations that the bitcoins have already been offered.
Why Bitcoin Reserves are Necessary
The transfer is highlighted by Government Order 14233, which clearly states that Bitcoins acquired by way of felony or civil forfeiture must be saved as a part of the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
The order states that “authorities Bitcoins should not be offered” and may as an alternative be preserved as long-term strategic belongings. The thought is to deal with Bitcoin like a gold reserve, moderately than one thing that may be shortly transformed into money.
If the report is correct, promoting this Bitcoin could be in direct violation of that order.
Lawmakers increase the crimson flag
Senator Cynthia Lummis publicly criticized the state of affairs, asking why the federal government continues to be liquidating Bitcoin when the president has clearly directed authorities businesses to protect it.
She warned that the USA can’t afford to waste its strategic Bitcoin belongings whereas different nations are actively accumulating Bitcoin. Her feedback mirror rising considerations in Washington that blended indicators from numerous establishments are undermining the U.S. crypto technique.
Critics say ignoring such directives might put the USA at a drawback and undermine confidence within the route of crypto coverage as international competitors for digital belongings intensifies.
For now, the crypto group is watching the state of affairs carefully and has easy however severe questions. If the US desires a strategic Bitcoin reserve, why is it nonetheless promoting Bitcoin?
