Can Trump Seize Venezuela’s $60 Billion Bitcoin Reserve, If It Exists?
The feasibility of the US seizing Venezuela's rumored $60 billion Bitcoin reserve is low due to a lack of on-chain proof and practical access issues.Summary
Speculation arose that the US could seize Venezuela's alleged $60 billion Bitcoin reserve (estimated at 600,000 BTC) following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. However, the article asserts that there is no verifiable on-chain evidence supporting the existence of such a massive state-held reserve; the $60 billion figure remains speculation.
Venezuela is only consistently linked to a modest amount, around 240 BTC, which may not be accessible. Legally, the US could assert jurisdiction over Maduro under the Ker-Frisbie doctrine, as the US does not recognize him as legitimate leader. However, seizing assets requires both legal authority and physical access—meaning prosecutors must prove the Bitcoin is linked to criminal activity and that authorities possess the private keys or access to compliant custodians.
Ultimately, outright seizure of a massive reserve is deemed legally and practically implausible. While the US might freeze identified assets or use forfeiture threats, the absence of proof, jurisdiction over the keys, and access renders the seizure of the rumored $60 billion reserve highly unlikely.
(Source：BeInCrypto)