The UK government follows the United States, holding more than $4.3 billion worth of cryptocurrencies.
Over the past decade, countries around the world have begun to seize cryptocurrencies. The U.S. government is at the forefront, holding nearly $15.27 billion in cryptocurrencies.
This huge amount of assets includes 212,847 BTC and 45,654 ETH.
The U.S. leads with $15.27 billion in holdings
Silk Road is perhaps the most well-known example of a cryptocurrency seizure by the U.S. government, which seized approximately 144,336 BTC in 2013. Silk Road was an online black market known for facilitating the sale of drugs and other illegal goods using Bitcoin.
Another popular darknet market, AlphaBay, was targeted by U.S. authorities in 2017. While the exact amount of seized cryptocurrencies is unknown, CoinMarketCap previously reported that the assets included tokens such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero.
Three years later, the U.S. Department of Justice seized approximately $3.6 million in Bitcoin in its investigation into cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex and its associated stablecoin issuer Tether for suspected money laundering and fraud.
Following the U.S. is the U.K. government, which holds 612,450 BTC, worth approximately $4.34 billion, according to data compiled by Arkham Intelligence.
Meanwhile, the German government currently owns 498,590 BTC, valued at approximately $3.53 billion.
Notably, the Salvadoran government has emerged as an active player, holding 5,718 BTC worth approximately $405 million, largely due to its aggressive buying behavior.
Cryptocurrency seizures
The majority of crypto assets in these countries stem from confiscation for a variety of reasons. This includes the use of cryptocurrencies in criminal investigations for illegal activities such as money laundering, drug trafficking, terrorist financing, and cybercrime. As part of their investigations, law enforcement agencies seize crypto assets with the goal of disrupting criminal activities and holding the actors accountable.
Governments may seize cryptocurrency from individuals or businesses suspected of tax evasion, which may not report cryptocurrency-related income or transactions. Seizure is a means of enforcing tax compliance and ensuring that taxpayers meet their obligations.
Additionally, cryptocurrency exchanges and other platforms may need to comply with legal regulations related to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. When an entity fails to comply with these regulations or engages in fraudulent activities, it may be closed down. #美国政府 #比特币持有量
