Bitcoin Theft and Regulatory Dispute: US Rejects Sale Allegations as International Investigation Escalates

US Agency Denies Bitcoin Sale Despite Court Document

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) has publicly denied selling seized Bitcoin from the Samourai wallet case. This contradicts a court document that caused a stir last week ^[1].

According to an exclusive report by Bitcoin Magazine from Monday evening, the US allegedly sold approximately 57.5 Bitcoin worth $6,367,139.69. The BTC originated from the convicted founders of the privacy wallet Samourai and were transferred on November 3, 2025 ^[1]. The presented document was an "Asset Liquidation Agreement" that authorized the agency to take possession of and liquidate the BTC ^[1].

On-chain data also showed that the 57.5 BTC were deposited with service provider Coinbase Prime, which suggested a sale but could not prove it ^[1].

USMS: Multi-Step Approval Process Required

In a statement to DL News, the USMS clarified that the agency "did not sell the mentioned Bitcoin" ^[1]. Furthermore, the agency expressed surprise and stated it had "no idea" where Bitcoin Magazine obtained the information. The USMS accused the publication: "But they neither verified the facts nor asked us for information" ^[1].

Crucial is the USMS statement that the liquidation of cryptocurrencies undergoes a multi-step approval process. Only digital assets would be eligible for sale if consistent with the requirements of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve decree ^[1]. The agency referenced Section D of Executive Order 14233, which stipulates that sales are only permitted under certain conditions – such as for restitution to victims or for law enforcement purposes ^[1].

The decree itself clearly states that Bitcoin from the strategic reserve may not be sold and must be held as reserve assets of the United States ^[1]. Ten months after signing, the Bitcoin community continues to await detailed information about the reserve, particularly regarding the exact number of BTC held ^[1].

International Fraud Case: Arrest and Billion-Dollar Dispute

In parallel, an international criminal case with diplomatic dimensions has escalated. Cambodian authorities arrested entrepreneur Chen Zhi, founder and chairman of the conglomerate Prince Group, and deported him to China at Beijing's request ^[2]. The Ministry of Information in Phnom Penh confirmed this on January 7 ^[2].

The arrest occurred as part of a joint investigation by Cambodia and China. Whether Chen will be formally charged in China initially remained unclear ^[2]. According to the US Justice Department, Chen allegedly controlled a network of fraud centers in Cambodia where people worked under duress and operated billion-dollar crypto investment and romance scams – internationally known as "pig-butchering" scams ^[2].

Largest Forfeiture Claim in US History

In October, the US Department of Justice announced filing the largest forfeiture claim in its history. The subject involves approximately $15 billion in Bitcoin as well as real estate and other assets ^[2]. Chen's citizenship was already revoked at the end of last year ^[2].

The case is part of months-long coordination between US, Chinese, and regional authorities and simultaneously the subject of diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing over the origin and ownership of seized Bitcoin holdings ^[2].

Allegation of Bitcoin Theft from China

In November, China's National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center accused the US, according to Bloomberg, of stealing more than 120,000 Bitcoin from a Chinese mining pool in 2020. Part of these holdings allegedly later came into US custody and are connected to the proceedings against Chen ^[2]. US authorities reject these accusations and state that the seized Bitcoin originated from fraud and money laundering related to the Prince Group ^[2].