Feds Chase $2.4M in Bitcoin Tied to Chaos Ransomware Group

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US Feds Chase $2.4 Million in Bitcoin Tied to Chaos Ransomware Group

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: July 29, 2025

Key Takeaways

Texas prosecutors aim to claim $2.4 million in Bitcoin tied to the Chaos ransomware group;
FOIA records show US Marshals hold 28,988 BTC, far less than the 198,000 estimated by analysts;
Many seized coins may not be legally forfeited yet, limiting the government's ability to use them.

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Federal prosecutors in Texas are seeking a court order to take control of over $2.4 million in Bitcoin BTC $116,713.18 , which was seized by the FBI’s Dallas office on April 15.

The funds, which total 20.2 BTC, are believed to be from an address tied to the Chaos ransomware group.

The government stated on July 28 that the crypto was earned through illegal activity and seeks to have the court transfer it to federal ownership. This legal action could add to the planned US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

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There is some confusion about the amount of Bitcoin the US government holds. Blockchain data platforms, such as Arkham, Nansen, and BitcoinTreasuries.NET, estimated the total at over 198,000 BTC.

However, on July 16, an independent journalist reported on X that a freedom of information request revealed the United States Marshals Service (USMS) holds only about 28,988 BTC.

That number does not include coins controlled by other agencies, such as the FBI or DEA. The journalist explained that different departments may manage their own wallets, which means the full amount could be spread across several agencies.

On July 23, Arkham noted that several US agencies, including the Department of Justice and the FBI, have access to seized Bitcoin across many wallets. It also said those wallets have not moved any funds in the past four months.

However, the journalist warned that some platforms may not clearly show whether the coins are legally forfeited or just frozen. Bitcoin can remain in government wallets for an extended period before a court grants permission to use or sell them.

On July 22, the Seattle US Attorney’s Office filed to seize $7.1 million in crypto tied to a fake oil investment scheme. What did Acting US Attorney Teal Luthy Miller say? Read the full story.