In a request protected under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), journalist L0la L33tz discovered that the U.S. Marshals Service holds approximately 28,988 BTC, valued at approximately 3.4 billion dollars based on the current Bitcoin price of 120,000 dollars. This represents a significant decrease from previous estimates, which indicated that the U.S. held nearly 200,000 BTC.
In a criminal investigation, confiscated properties, including seized cryptocurrencies, must be under the supervision of the USMS.
However, L33tz claimed that the USMS was primarily a place occupied not by seized goods, but by forfeited goods. This difference is significant, as other authorities (such as the DEA or the FBI) may be in possession of seized goods. Therefore, while 28,988 BTC were correct in the holdings of the USMS, there could be other Bitcoin controlled by other government agencies.
Senator Cynthia Lummis expressed her concern over reports indicating that the United States may have sold a portion of its Bitcoin holdings. Lummis criticized this potential strategic mistake and warned that such decisions could set the United States back in the global race for Bitcoin.
"I am alarmed by reports that the United States has sold more than 80% of its Bitcoin reserves," Lummis stated. "If true, the United States would fall behind in the race to dominate the Bitcoin market."
Her concerns echo those of others who believe that Bitcoin could play a key role in addressing national debts, particularly in light of global economic trends.