US Government Remains a Top Bitcoin Holder With Seized Stash Valued at $5.6 Billion

As of March 25, 2023, the U.S. government held 205,515 bitcoins worth $5.6 billion, which is approximately 1.06% of the circulating supply, according to current statistics. The cache of bitcoins is a result of three forfeitures that began in 2020. Glassnode’s on-chain data reveals that on March 9, about 9,860 bitcoins worth roughly $269 million … Read more

Despite Criminalizing Mining, Abkhazia Uncovers Another Crypto Farm

Even after introducing fines and criminal liability for cryptocurrency mining, Abkhazia continues to find underground facilities for digital currency extraction. This week, law enforcement officials have confiscated dozens of mining devices from an illegal crypto farm. Abkhazia Shuts Down Crypto Farm, Seizes Mining Hardware Police in Abkhazia have closed down another crypto mining installation in … Read more

Finland to Donate Millions of Dollars From Sale of Seized Bitcoin to Ukraine

The government of Finland is discussing supporting Ukraine with part of the money from the liquidation of millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency seized in crime investigations. Finnish authorities want to sell the bitcoins soon and say they couldn’t come up with a better idea for the proceeds. Finland Selects Brokers to Sell $75 Million … Read more

Finland Looking for Brokers to Sell Seized Bitcoins Worth $80 Million

Finland’s customs authority is looking for brokers to sell 1,981 bitcoins seized in drug cases. The coins are currently worth nearly $80 million. Finland’s customs authority announced Thursday that it is seeking brokers to sell 1,981 bitcoins seized in drug busts, Bloomberg reported, noting that the coins were forfeited to the state by court order. … Read more

Thai Government Approves Crypto Exchange, Wants Own Wallet

The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission has approved another crypto exchange to legally operate in the country. There are now six exchanges that have been granted approval. Meanwhile, the government is considering maintaining its own wallet in order to confiscate cryptocurrencies from illegal sources. Also read: 160 Crypto Exchanges Seek to Enter Japanese Market, Regulator Reveals … Read more

Over 500 BTC Belonging to Iranians Seized by US Government: Report

According to the head of Iran’s Blockchain Association, over 500 BTC belonging to Iranians were confiscated by the U.S. government last year, and the number is still rising. He explains that Iranians are unable to take action through proper channels from within their country due to Iran’s legal status of cryptocurrency. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms … Read more

South Korea Mulls Over How to Cash Out State-Owned Cryptocurrency

The South Korean government is mulling over how to cash out the cryptocurrency it recently confiscated. While the most likely option is to auction the coins off using the government-owned auction platform, various concerns have been raised. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto Space Cashing Out BTC The South Korean government is contemplating … Read more

Korean Government Clarifies Position After Supreme Court Crypto Ruling

The South Korean government has clarified its position in response to the recent ruling by the country’s Supreme Court stating that cryptocurrency is an asset with measurable value that can be confiscated. The government says its position should be viewed separately from that of the Supreme Court. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto … Read more

South Korea’s Largest Crypto Exchange Upbit Under Investigation for Fraud

The largest cryptocurrency exchange in South Korea, Upbit, is suspected of fraud and is currently under investigation. The prosecutors have conducted searches at the exchange and confiscated computers and accounting records. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto Space Upbit Under Investigation South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, the Kakao-backed Upbit is suspected of fraud, … Read more

South Korean Court Rules Bitcoin Has Economic Value

A South Korean court has ruled that bitcoin has an economic value for the first time. This overturned an earlier court ruling which did not recognize the digital currency. The case involves the confiscation of 191 bitcoins. Also read: Japan’s DMM Bitcoin Exchange Opens for Business With 7 Cryptocurrencies Bitcoin’s Status Re-Examined The Suwon District Court … Read more