According to BlockBeats, data from crypto analysis firm Arkham indicates that several governments hold substantial amounts of Bitcoin, totaling approximately $17.8 billion at current market prices. The U.S. government is estimated to hold Bitcoin worth about $12 billion, most of which were seized in high-profile cases such as the 2013 Silk Road bust and subsequent operations against dark web markets. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice seized over $1 billion in Bitcoin related to the Silk Road, marking one of the largest cryptocurrency confiscations in history.
The UK government holds Bitcoin valued at around $3.3 billion. In 2021, the London Metropolitan Police's money laundering investigation seized £180 million (approximately $250 million) in cryptocurrency. While the UK has been somewhat reticent about its plans for these digital assets, the UK's HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has previously auctioned off seized cryptocurrency.
Germany holds Bitcoin worth about $2.2 billion, which recently made headlines. In February 2024, German authorities announced plans to sell approximately €1 billion ($1.08 billion) in cryptocurrency, primarily Bitcoin. This move represents one of the largest government cryptocurrency liquidations to date and has been closely watched by market participants and other governments holding seized digital assets.