United States
The United States is the largest holder of Bitcoin in the world, with 213,297 Bitcoins, which were obtained through cryptocurrency seizures and are currently valued at approximately $14.82 billion. A significant portion of this comes from the shutdown of the 'Silk Road' (an online black market). When the U.S. government shut down Silk Road, it seized about 69,000 Bitcoins.
China
Despite a severe crackdown on cryptocurrency trading and mining, China has become the second-largest holder of Bitcoin due to seizure actions. The Chinese government currently holds approximately 190,000 Bitcoins, valued at around $13.2 billion. These assets mainly come from the 'PlusToken' Ponzi scheme, which promised investors returns as high as 30%.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has seized approximately 61,000 Bitcoins, valued at around $4.24 billion, through anti-money laundering efforts. An employee of a Chinese takeaway linked to several wallets was found converting cryptocurrency to cash or assets and transferring it to Dubai. These seizures indicate the UK's commitment to combating financial crimes involving digital assets, making it the third largest country in Bitcoin reserves.
El Salvador
El Salvador is the first country to make Bitcoin legal tender. Unlike other countries that mainly hold Bitcoin through seizures, El Salvador actively purchases Bitcoin. It currently holds 5,800 Bitcoins, valued at about $400 million. Since 2021, the country has initiated a 'one Bitcoin a day' program, purchasing one Bitcoin daily regardless of market price.
Ukraine
Most of Ukraine's Bitcoins come from aid donations to combat the war against Russia. In February 2022, the government publicly requested donations through social media by sharing a wallet address, and has received 651.3 Bitcoins (approximately $45.23 million) to date. Additionally, the 'Come Back Alive' foundation received another 685.1 Bitcoins (approximately $47.58 million). The total donations amount to 1,336.4 Bitcoins, but due to ongoing use, the remaining balance is only 186.18 Bitcoins (approximately $12.93 million).
Germany
Germany has seized 46,359 Bitcoins, valued at approximately $3.02 billion, through the enforcement of cryptocurrency-related laws. These Bitcoins came from a 2013 seizure action against an infringing website that converted piracy revenues into Bitcoin. However, as of July 12, 2024, Germany has emptied its entire reserve.