The Department of Justice (DOJ) has not liquidated Bitcoin forfeited from the Samourai Wallet case, confirming the assets will remain in the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
Patrick Witt, Executive Director of the White House President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, quelled market rumors Friday, stating he received direct confirmation from the DOJ that the funds remain secure.
UPDATE: we have received confirmation from DOJ that the digital assets forfeited by Samourai Wallet have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated, per EO 14233. They will remain on the USG balance sheet as part of the SBR. — Patrick Witt (@patrickjwitt) [January 16, 2026]
The confusion stemmed from internal “staging” transfers. While Arkham data often precedes liquidation events, the DOJ clarified these specific movements were custodial adjustments, not sales. The U.S. government remains one of the largest global holders of Bitcoin, with a treasury exceeding 328,000 BTC.