The U.S Seizes $2.4M in Bitcoin, May Add to Strategic Reserve

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The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a civil complaint to seize 20.2 Bitcoin (worth $2.4 million) linked to a member of the Chaos ransomware group—a cybercrime network known for encrypting and leaking sensitive data for ransom. The group is suspected to be a rebranding of Blacksuit.

The seized Bitcoin, originally confiscated by the FBI in Dallas on April 15, 2025, may soon be added to the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, pending court approval.

What Is the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve?

In March 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR), a federal initiative to permanently store Bitcoin seized through civil and criminal cases. The policy aims to position the U.S. as a global crypto leader and safeguard Bitcoin as a long-term national asset.

How Much Bitcoin Does the US Hold?

While data from Bitcoin Treasuries estimates U.S. holdings at 198,012 BTC (valued at $23.54 billion), a recent FOIA investigation revealed inconsistencies.

The U.S. Marshals Service alone reportedly holds 28,988 BTC, but this figure excludes assets held by other agencies like the FBI, DOJ, and DEA. Blockchain firm Arkham confirmed that significant Bitcoin holdings are untracked publicly, suggesting actual reserves may be even higher.

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States Follow Suit With Their Own BTC Reserves

Inspired by Trump’s national strategy, 30 U.S. states have introduced bills to create state-level Strategic Bitcoin Reserves. So far, only New Hampshire, Texas, and Arizona have successfully passed such laws.

New Hampshire became the first state to approve BTC investment, permitting digital assets with a market cap exceeding $500 billion.

According to the National Law Review, these reserves are part of a broader initiative to attract crypto-friendly businesses.

What’s Next for America’s Bitcoin Strategy?

A recent policy report titled “Crypto Policy Under Trump: H1 2025” outlines the guidelines for the Strategic Reserve:

It only accepts fortified (seized) Bitcoin

The BTC cannot be sold

Expansion must be budget-neutral, with oversight from the Treasury and Commerce Departments

With federal and state-level momentum, the U.S. is inching closer to becoming a Bitcoin superpower, leveraging crypto not just as an asset but as a tool of economic strength and global leadership.