US government moves Bitcoin in possible test transfers

The transferred assets were tied to the Miguel Villanueva forfeiture.

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Add us on Google by Vivian Nguyen | Powered by Gloria Mar. 3, 2026

A crypto wallet controlled by the US government moved approximately 0.04 Bitcoin, valued at over $2,500, on Tuesday, prompting speculation about potential testing activity ahead of larger operations, according to Arkham Intelligence data.

The transferred funds originated from assets seized in the Miguel Villanueva case, one of several forfeitures tracked alongside high-profile confiscations, including Silk Road, as tracked by the on-chain forensic tool Timechain Index.

The wallet now holds nearly 0.3 BTC worth over $20,000.

The small transfer comes as federal officials continue to build out the infrastructure for the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, established through an executive order in March 2025. By February 2026, the government had accumulated approximately 328,372 BTC through criminal and civil forfeitures, making it the largest sovereign holder of the digital asset.

Lawmakers are expected to consider the Bitcoin Act this year, which would authorize annual purchases of 200,000 BTC starting in the fourth quarter of that year. The legislation aims to formalize management of the nation’s digital asset portfolio, treating Bitcoin similarly to gold reserves.

Historically, the US has opted to sell seized Bitcoin rather than hold it, a strategy that may have resulted in missed upside as the asset’s value surged over the past decade.