US Marshals Deny Bitcoin Liquidation Amid Confusion

The U.S. Marshals Service, directed by the DOJ, reportedly sold 57.55 BTC forfeited by Samourai Wallet developers in New York on November 3, 2025, though agencies deny the transaction.

The event draws attention to government handling of digital assets, emphasizing scrutiny in crypto asset management, despite claims that BTC remains within the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), under the Department of Justice (DOJ), denied reports of selling 57.55 BTC. This amount was forfeited by Samourai Wallet developers. The move contradicts previous claims by Bitcoin Magazine.

USMS communications confirmed the Bitcoin would remain on the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR). The denial subverts claims that it was liquidated. The developer-involved BTC is now secured as part of this government-held asset.

Speculation arose following the transfer of BTC to a Coinbase Prime address. This ignited discussions on social media amid concerns of potential asset sale, though official governance procedures ensure compliance.

Market implications were minimal as the USMS confirmed no industry-wide liquidations. The move aligns with Executive Order 14233, signed by President Trump, focusing on reserving forfeited BTC rather than selling.

The policy aligns with historical precedents where SDNY acted independently on crypto forfeitures. It secures regulatory certainty, focusing on building the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve under defined clearance protocols. As Cecilia Vogel, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Department of Justice, stated, “the digital assets forfeited by Samourai Wallet have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated. They will remain on the USG balance sheet as part of the SBR.”

These actions reflect broader regulatory trends, emphasizing asset retention as part of a national strategy. This approach may influence future regulatory decisions, ensuring crypto assets’ role in monetary policy.