Taiwanese authorities are safeguarding bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies confiscated from criminal activities.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Justice has disclosed that it currently holds exactly 210.45 bitcoins seized during criminal investigations. The digital assets, deemed proceeds of crime, are under state custody while authorities assess future management options.
According to government officials, no final decision has yet been made regarding their disposition. Options under consideration include liquidation through public auctions, with proceeds allocated to state coffers. The disclosure comes at a time when Taiwan is conducting an in-depth review of the role of digital assets within its financial system.
Bitcoin represents only a fraction of the digital assets controlled by Taiwanese authorities. According to the Ministry of Justice’s inventory, the total value of seized cryptocurrencies amounts to approximately 1.3 billion New Taiwan dollars (around $42 million), calculated at market prices at the time of disclosure.
Stablecoins account for the largest share by volume: more than 17.46 million USDT, 14,254.87 USDC, and an additional 33,578.84 units of USDC.e. Ether reserves total 2,429.97 units, while other smaller holdings include 292.53 BNB, 76,870.17 TRX, and 14,628.73 LPT.
The Ministry of Justice explained that these holdings stem from a broader effort to standardize procedures for the seizure, custody, and disposal of digital assets throughout the judicial process.
Political pressure for bitcoin adoption
The disclosure has fueled a national political debate over whether the government should consider bitcoin a strategic asset. Last month, a Taiwanese lawmaker urged policymakers to evaluate the inclusion of BTC in national reserves.
“Virtual assets are no longer just speculative commodities, but a new battleground for national security and financial sovereignty,” said Ko Ju-Chun, vice co-chair of the USA–Taiwan Caucus in the Legislative Yuan, during a general financial interpellation session.
Regulatory tightening on stablecoins
In November, Taiwan’s central bank called for stricter oversight of stablecoin licensing, recommending that issuers hold part of their reserves with the central bank itself. The institution requested a formal role in supervising stablecoins under the Financial Supervisory Commission’s (FSC) proposed Virtual Asset Services Act, arguing that its involvement is necessary to assess risks to exchange-rate stability and payment system rules.
FSC Chairman Peng Jin-long informed lawmakers that the bill has passed initial reviews and could be approved in a third reading during the next legislative session. Specific stablecoin regulations would follow within six months, placing the potential launch of a local stablecoin no earlier than the end of 2026.
