Justice Department Expands Bitcoin Reserve With Fresh $2.8M Seizure
The Justice Department has authorized the seizure of more than $2.8 million in cryptocurrency and assets from an alleged ransomware operator, marking another expansion of the U.S. government’s growing digital reserve.
Unsealed warrants revealed charges against Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko, who prosecutors say laundered ransomware proceeds through services like the now-defunct ChipMixer before converting them into cash and structured deposits to avoid detection.
Authorities also seized $70,000 in cash and a luxury vehicle in the operation.
Building the Federal Bitcoin Stockpile
The case follows a string of seizures in recent months. Just days earlier, officials disclosed the recovery of $1 million from the BlackSuit ransomware group and confirmed plans to claim $2.4 million in Bitcoin seized in Dallas.
The crypto haul is expected to flow into the U.S. national reserve, established earlier this year by executive order from President Donald Trump.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said the government’s Bitcoin stockpile—sourced primarily through asset forfeitures—already totals around $20 billion.
Bessent initially suggested the Treasury would halt additional Bitcoin acquisitions, sparking debate in financial circles, but later clarified that the department intends to continue expanding the reserve through “budget-neutral” strategies.
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Alexander Zdravkov is a market analyst and crypto journalist with interests in economics, broader financial markets and digital assets. His journey into crypto began more than four years ago, driven by a fascination with the rapid evolution of blockchain technology and the transformative potential of decentralized finance. He began analyzing market cycles and identifying emerging trends before they reach the mainstream. He holds a degree in International Relations - a background that helped shape his broader perspective on global economics, geopolitics, and the interconnected nature of modern financial markets. Whether covering the latest developments in the crypto sector or exploring broader macroeconomic themes, Alexander focuses on giving readers context rather than simply repeating headlines. During his career, he has authored more than 10,000 articles covering cryptocurrencies, traditional finance, and global market developments. His work spans everything from Bitcoin and altcoins to macroeconomic trends influencing risk assets worldwide.
