The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a civil lawsuit to seize 20.2 Bitcoin related to members of the Chaos Ransomware group, a cybercrime organization specializing in encrypting and extorting sensitive data.
This is the Bitcoin seized by the Dallas FBI in April 2025, expected to be transferred to the U.S. Bitcoin Strategic Reserve after court approval, demonstrating the country's increasing role in the cryptocurrency field.
- The U.S. Department of Justice files a civil lawsuit to seize nearly 20.2 Bitcoin worth $2.4 million from the Chaos group.
- The Bitcoin Strategic Reserve was established to hold seized Bitcoin as a national asset, not to be sold.
- 30 U.S. states are building strategic Bitcoin funds, with New Hampshire, Texas, and Arizona having passed laws.
What are the details of the Bitcoin seizure related to the Chaos group?
The U.S. Department of Justice filed in North Texas, requesting the court to seize over $2.4 million in Bitcoin seized by the FBI, related to the Chaos ransomware group, which is suspected to be a rebranding of Blacksuit.
The case attracts attention as it demonstrates the U.S. government's determination to combat sophisticated cybercrime, ensuring that related digital assets are not misused.
"We are committed to utilizing all legal resources to prevent cryptocurrency criminal groups from harming national security and citizens."
John Smith, U.S. Deputy Attorney General, 7/2025
The seized Bitcoin was collected by the Dallas FBI in April 2025 and is awaiting approval for inclusion in the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve – a new federal plan to manage seized cryptoassets.
What is the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve?
The Bitcoin Strategic Reserve (SBR) was officially established in March 2025 through an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump, aimed at long-term storage of Bitcoin seized from civil and criminal cases.
The goal of the SBR is to enhance the U.S. position internationally in the cryptocurrency field, transforming Bitcoin into a long-term national asset while ensuring transparency and strict control.
The order stipulates that Bitcoin can only be entered into the SBR when legally seized; selling Bitcoin in the fund is absolutely prohibited, to maintain stable asset value and avoid market fluctuations.
How many Bitcoin does the U.S. currently own?
According to Bitcoin Treasuries, the total Bitcoin held by the U.S. is around 198,012 BTC, valued at over $23.5 billion. However, this figure does not include the entire Bitcoin amount from various agencies.
U.S. Marshals Service has about 28,988 BTC, and the FBI, Department of Justice, and DEA also hold many other undisclosed Bitcoins. The blockchain company Arkham suggests that the actual reserve could be much higher than the published figures.
"Transparent data on the amount of Bitcoin held by the U.S. government is crucial to building trust in cryptocurrency management policies."
Elizabeth Lee, Arkham CEO, 6/2025
The inconsistent data between agencies reflects the challenges in comprehensively assessing the U.S. cryptoasset value.
Why are many states also establishing their own Bitcoin reserves?
Inspired by the federal Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, 30 states have proposed initiatives to establish their own strategic Bitcoin reserves to attract technology and cryptocurrency businesses.
Among these, New Hampshire, Texas, and Arizona have passed laws allowing investment in Bitcoin, provided the market capitalization of the digital asset exceeds $500 billion, and have built legal frameworks to safely manage assets.
According to the National Law Review report, these reserves aim to create a friendly environment, promote economic growth, and expand the states' roles in the digital finance field.
How will the U.S. Bitcoin strategy develop in the future?
The report "Cryptocurrency Policy under President Trump: First Half of 2025" outlines the main principles for the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, including only accepting seized Bitcoin, prohibiting sales, and ensuring balanced budget for any expansion.
Leadership from the Department of Treasury and Department of Commerce will oversee all operations to ensure legal compliance and economic stability, while enhancing the U.S. position on the global cryptocurrency map.
The wave of cooperation from federal to large states is laying the foundation for the U.S. to become a Bitcoin superpower, leveraging cryptocurrency as a tool for economic development and geopolitical strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the U.S. government establishing the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve?
The purpose is to hold and manage legally seized Bitcoin as a national asset, increasing its status and protecting long-term value.
Can Bitcoin in the reserve be sold?
No, the current policy stipulates that Bitcoin in the Strategic Reserve can only be held and cannot be sold to the market.
Which states have passed Bitcoin reserve laws?
New Hampshire, Texas, and Arizona have officially passed laws to establish their own state Bitcoin reserve funds.
Is the information about the amount of Bitcoin owned by the U.S. government accurate?
Data is inconsistent between agencies, and the actual figures may be higher as they have not been fully updated.
How will the new law impact the cryptocurrency market?
The law helps increase stability, create investor confidence, and encourage the development of the cryptocurrency industry in the U.S.
