Taiwan”s Ministry of Justice has announced that it currently holds a total of 210.45 Bitcoin (BTC) as part of its efforts to manage assets seized from criminal activities. This significant holding categorizes these digital assets as proceeds of crime, placing them under state custody.
Officials from the ministry indicated that a final decision regarding the future of these assets has yet to be made. However, they are contemplating liquidating the Bitcoin through an auction, with the intention of channeling the proceeds into public revenue. This development coincides with ongoing inquiries from the Taiwanese government into the role of digital assets within the national financial system, especially in light of the increasing prevalence of crypto-related crime.
According to data from the Ministry of Justice, the BTC holdings represent just a portion of a broader collection of seized digital assets. The total estimated value of these assets is approximately NT$1.3 billion, based on market prices at the time of reporting. The inventory reveals that stablecoins dominate the quantity of holdings, including over 17.46 million USDT, valued at NT$560.18 million, alongside 14,254.87 USDC worth around NT$459,405, and an additional 33,578.84 units of USDC.e valued at NT$1.02 million.
The Ministry”s digital asset portfolio also includes 2,429.97 Ethereum (ETH), as well as smaller quantities of other cryptocurrencies, such as 292.53 BNB, 76,870.17 TRX, and 14,628.73 LPT. Additionally, judicial wallets are reported to contain 6,385.92 TWT worth NT$181,041, 7,592.1 MAX tokens worth NT$82,526, and 91,656.47 BSC valued at NT$2,933.
This stockpile of seized digital currencies is part of a larger initiative aimed at establishing standardized procedures for the seizure, storage, and eventual disposal of virtual assets through the judicial system.
The announcement regarding Taiwan”s Bitcoin holdings comes amidst escalating political discussions about whether the government should recognize Bitcoin as a strategic asset. Recently, a Taiwanese lawmaker urged the government to consider incorporating Bitcoin into national reserves, emphasizing that virtual assets have evolved beyond speculative instruments to become critical components of national security and financial sovereignty.
While Taiwan has not yet committed to this approach, the substantial amount of seized cryptocurrency raises pressing questions about its future treatment. Any long-term strategy regarding these assets will necessitate legislative approval and collaboration with financial regulators.
In November, the central bank of Taiwan advocated for stricter regulation of stablecoin licensing, suggesting that issuers maintain a portion of their reserves at the central bank. The bank has sought a formal role in overseeing stablecoins under the Financial Supervisory Commission”s draft Virtual Asset Services Act, asserting that its involvement is essential for evaluating risks related to foreign exchange stability and payment systems.
The collection of seized digital assets is the result of Taiwan”s intensified crackdown on crypto-related crime over the past two years. In a notable case, prosecutors recently concluded an investigation into the BitShine exchange, leading to charges against 14 individuals for alleged involvement in fraud schemes that deceived over 1,500 victims. Reports indicate that the group laundered more than NT$2.3 billion between January 2024 and April 2025, resulting in losses exceeding NT$1.27 billion for victims.
In early November, authorities detained 25 individuals and confiscated NT$4.5 billion in assets from the Prince Group, a network accused of orchestrating extensive scam operations. Included among the seized assets were luxury vehicles, real estate, and bank accounts linked to the group and a Cambodian businessman.
