U.S. Marshals’ Alleged Sale of $6.3 Million Samourai Bitcoin Sparks Strategic Reserve Dispute
In November 2025, Samourai Wallet developers Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill agreed to forfeit about $6.3 million in Bitcoin, equal to roughly 57.55 BTC, as part of a plea deal with the U.S. Department of Justice. Blockchain data cited in reports indicates the U.S. Marshals Service moved this Bitcoin to a Coinbase Prime address that now shows a zero balance, prompting concerns it was sold despite an executive order instructing that forfeited BTC be retained in a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Senator Cynthia Lummis has questioned why agencies are allegedly liquidating Bitcoin when it has been designated as a long-term strategic asset.