MAROKO133 Update crypto: DOJ Did Not Sell Forfeited Samourai Bitcoin, White House Crypto A

📌 MAROKO133 Update crypto: DOJ Did Not Sell Forfeited Samourai Bitcoin, White Hous

A White House crypto advisor said the US government has not sold any Bitcoin forfeited in the Samourai Wallet case, pushing back against market rumors sparked by recent on-chain activity.

Patrick Witt, executive director of the White House President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, said he received direct confirmation from the US Department of Justice that the assets were neither liquidated nor earmarked for sale.

“We have received confirmation from DOJ that the digital assets forfeited by Samourai Wallet have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated,” Witt wrote on X on Friday, adding that the Bitcoin would remain part of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

57.5 BTC Transfer Sparks Questions Over US Government Bitcoin Sales

Questions first surfaced in November after blockchain analysts flagged a transfer of 57.5 BTC from a government-controlled wallet to a Coinbase Prime deposit address.

The movement prompted speculation that US authorities may have sold or planned to sell the funds, drawing criticism from market participants who pointed to Executive Order 14233.

Signed by President Donald Trump in March, the order requires that any Bitcoin obtained through criminal or civil forfeiture “shall not be sold” and instead be retained for the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

Some observers accused the US Marshals Service of violating the directive, allegations now denied following the DOJ clarification.

Public data suggests the US government remains one of the world’s largest Bitcoin holders. Figures from Bitcoin Treasuries show federal authorities control 328,372 BTC, valued at more than $31 billion at current prices.

That total includes 127,271 BTC forfeited in October from a Cambodia-based entity accused of running a so-called pig-butchering investment scam.

Witt reiterated that expanding the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve remains a policy priority. In a recent interview, he said progress depends on coordination between the Treasury and Commerce departments to address outstanding legal and operational issues.

Legislative efforts are also underway. A bill sponsored by Cynthia Lummis proposes accelerating reserve accumulation, targeting the acquisition of up to 1 million Bitcoin over five years.

The proposal emphasizes budget-neutral methods, with officials saying any accumulation would avoid costs to taxpayers.

Trump Signals Possible Pardon for Samourai Wallet Developer

Two developers behind Samourai Wallet were sentenced to prison in November after prosecutors said the privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet processed more than $237 million in criminal proceeds.

Keonne Rodriguez received a five-year sentence on Nov. 6, while his co-developer, Hill, was sentenced to four years on Nov. 19. Both were also ordered to forfeit roughly $6.3 million in fees earned through the platform.

The case took a political turn in December when Donald Trump said he would consider pardoning Rodriguez.

Speaking to reporters during an Oval Office event on Dec. 16, Trump said he had “heard about it” and instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to review the case.

Rodriguez later welcomed the remarks, arguing on social media that the prosecution reflected “lawfare” and a weaponized Justice Department under the Biden administration.

Trump has previously pardoned Ross Ulbricht and Changpeng Zhao in related crypto cases, and has raised optimism of a similar pardon for Rodriguez.

The post DOJ Did Not Sell Forfeited Samourai Bitcoin, White House Crypto Advisor Says appeared first on Cryptonews.

🔗 Sumber: cryptonews.com

📌 MAROKO133 Eksklusif crypto: 3 Altcoins To Watch This Weekend | January 17 – 18 T

With the market seemingly shifting its stance from bullish to bearish, the question of whether altcoins’ recent rallies will survive or not is arising. While some altcoins might depend on external developments, others are still following BTC’s cues.

Thus, BeInCrypto has analysed three such altcoins that could surprise investors over the weekend.

Chiliz (CHZ)

Chiliz appears set for a potentially bullish weekend after unveiling its Chiliz 2030 vision. The long-term roadmap focuses on scaling the sports blockchain and expanding real-world adoption. This strategic update has improved sentiment around CHZ, positioning the altcoin favorably as investors assess future network growth prospects.

While the announcement alone may not spark a full recovery, it could sustain interest following CHZ’s 30% weekly rally. Trading at $0.057, CHZ may consolidate near current levels. Holding above $0.053 would indicate stability, suggesting buyers remain engaged through the weekend despite limited immediate catalysts.

Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

Downside risks persist as momentum indicators flash caution. The Money Flow Index signals overbought conditions, implying buying pressure may be saturated. If profit-taking emerges, CHZ could slip below $0.053. A deeper pullback toward $0.050 would invalidate the neutral outlook and confirm short-term bearish pressure.

Dash (DASH)

DASH has emerged as one of the week’s top performers, surging 114% in just seven days. The altcoin now trades near $80, fueled by aggressive buying momentum. Despite the strong rally, DASH remains 24.8% below the $100 milestone, keeping traders focused on whether upside strength can persist.

The recent DASH price surge followed increased merchant adoption, highlighted by Alchemy Pay onboarding the network. However, momentum indicators raise caution. The Chaikin Money Flow shows a bearish divergence, with price printing higher highs while CMF weakens. This suggests capital outflows are rising beneath the rally, increasing downside risk.

If selling pressure accelerates, DASH could lose the $74 support and slide toward $63 in the short term. Such a move would confirm a corrective phase. Conversely, renewed inflows could stabilize price action. Sustained demand would allow DASH to extend gains and challenge the $100 level next week.

Polygon (POL)

Another one of the altcoins to watch this weekend is POL, which delivered a volatile January performance, rallying 46% last week as bullish sentiment dominated early trading. That momentum faded quickly. Heightened market uncertainty triggered sharp swings, pushing POL down 15.6% this week.

The abrupt reversal highlights fragile confidence and highlights how quickly speculative demand can unwind.

Capital flows have weakened materially over recent sessions, making POL one of the first altcoins to lose investor support. The Chaikin Money Flow shows inflows drying up entirely. If outflows take control, downside pressure could intensify. Under such conditions, POL price risks sliding toward the $0.138 support zone.

A bullish reversal remains possible if sentiment improves across the broader market. Renewed accumulation could allow POL to reclaim $0.155 as support. Holding that level would restore short-term confidence. With sustained buying, POL could extend a recovery move toward $0.183, negating the current bearish outlook.

The post 3 Altcoins To Watch This Weekend | January 17 – 18 appeared first on BeInCrypto.

🔗 Sumber: www.beincrypto.com