Governments Accumulate Bitcoin Through Seizures, Mining Operations, and Treasury Policies

Bitcoin ownership among governments is a growing trend, with nations accumulating the cryptocurrency through different methods. The United States has amassed approximately 200,000 BTC primarily through criminal forfeitures, while other countries have adopted state-sponsored mining operations and deliberate treasury accumulation.

The UAE and Bhutan are notable examples of countries leveraging their energy resources to mine Bitcoin. This approach allows them to monetize their excess power generation while building exposure to digital assets. In contrast, El Salvador has deliberately purchased Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset through explicit government policy.

As governments hold onto these assets, they face a significant policy decision: should they sell or hold? The traditional approach is to convert seized cryptocurrency into cash, but a growing number of voices argue that this approach leaves money on the table. Holding seized Bitcoin as a strategic reserve could capture future appreciation and provide financial benefits.