US prosecutors’ handling of bitcoin forfeited by Samourai Wallet developers is drawing scrutiny after conflicting reports over whether the assets were sold.
The United States Marshals Service (USMS) told DL News it “has not sold the Bitcoin mentioned,” disputing earlier reporting that suggested the forfeited coins may have been liquidated.
Guilty pleas and forfeiture
In August 2025, Samourai Wallet co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill pleaded guilty in the Southern District of New York to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.
Prosecutors alleged the service facilitated more than $200 million in illegal transactions tied to darknet markets, cybercrime, and fraud.
Acting US attorney Nicolas Roos said at the time:
“The defendants created and operated a cryptocurrency mixing service that they knew enabled criminals to wash millions in dirty money.”
As part of the plea agreements, the founders agreed to forfeit bitcoin worth about $6.37 million, or 57.55 BTC, at the time of transfer.
Court filings said the forfeiture was pursued under 18 U.S. Code 982.
Transfer to Coinbase Prime
Bitcoin Magazine previously cited an asset liquidation agreement saying the forfeited bitcoin was transferred on Nov. 3, 2025 to a wallet associated with Coinbase Prime.
Arkham Intelligence attributed the destination address to Coinbase Prime, and the wallet later showed a zero balance.
Executive order questions
President Trump’s Executive Order 14233, signed March 6, 2025, says bitcoin acquired through forfeiture “shall not be sold” and must be placed into the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
The order states:
“Government BTC deposited into the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve shall not be sold and shall be maintained as reserve assets of the United States.”
The USMS said bitcoin liquidations require multi-level approval and that only assets meeting the executive order’s requirements are eligible for disposal.
