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- Over 45,000 BTC tied to Movie2K remain in more than 100 wallets.
- Germany sold 50,000 BTC in 2024, missing potential $5B gains.
- Legal proof of illicit origin is required before authorities can seize new Bitcoin.
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German authorities may have left billions on the table after selling Bitcoin seized from the notorious movie piracy site Movie2K. Crypto intelligence firm Arkham revealed that over 45,000 BTC, potentially worth nearly $5 billion today, still remain in wallets tied to Movie2K—an amount almost equal to the Bitcoin already confiscated and sold by Germany last year.
BREAKING: ARKHAM IDENTIFIES $5B BTC THAT THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT FAILED TO SEIZE
— Arkham (@arkham) September 5, 2025
German police seized 49,858 BTC from the operators of Movie2K, a film piracy website, in early 2024. The government sold it in July 2024 for $2.89B at an average price of $57,900.
It appears that… pic.twitter.com/l0w0OkdU0H
Over 100 Wallets Still Hold Movie2K Bitcoin
Arkham’s report identified 45,060 BTC across more than 100 wallets, all linked to previous Movie2K activity. Remarkably, these coins have not moved since 2019 and appear to remain under the control of the original operators. The discovery raises questions about whether German authorities could seize and sell this Bitcoin, potentially adding billions to state coffers.
Germany’s Premature Bitcoin Sales Spark Criticism
In January 2024, German police confiscated nearly 50,000 BTC from Movie2K-linked operators. By mid-2024, prosecutors had sold the Bitcoin at an average price of $57,900, netting around $2.8 billion. However, Bitcoin’s rapid price surge months later—peaking at $124,128 in mid-August 2024—meant the same holdings could have been worth over $5 billion, prompting criticism that Germany acted too hastily.
Authorities defended the sales, citing local laws that require rapid liquidation of volatile assets to minimize the risk of losses. Still, experts argue that the decision led to one of the largest missed opportunities in crypto law enforcement history.
Also Read: Shocking Record: 72% of Bitcoin Supply Now Illiquid — What Happens at $117K?
Legal Hurdles Ahead for New Bitcoin Seizure
If German authorities pursue Arkham’s newly discovered Bitcoin, they face significant legal challenges. Local regulations require that seized cryptocurrency must be proven to be illicit in court. Additionally, authorities must identify and gain control over the more than 100 wallets, a complex task that could delay or even prevent seizure.
The Arkham discovery underscores both the immense value of cryptocurrency in criminal investigations and the legal complexities surrounding asset seizures. As Germany evaluates its next steps, the potential $5 billion in Movie2K Bitcoin serves as a stark reminder of how timing, law, and market volatility intersect in the high-stakes world of crypto enforcement.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses
I’m your translator between the financial Old World and the new frontier of crypto. After a career demystifying economics and markets, I enjoy elucidating crypto – from investment risks to earth-shaking potential. Let’s explore!
