Taiwan Reports 210 BTC and Millions in Stablecoins From Fraud Cases, Ranking 9th Globally Among Governments

Taiwan Holds Over 210 Bitcoin From Criminal Seizures Amid Debate Over Strategic Use

Taiwan’s Ministry of Justice currently holds 210.45 Bitcoin, seized from criminal cases, placing the digital assets under state custody as proceeds of crime.

The disclosure, referenced by legislator Ko Ju-Chun on 18 December, comes as Taiwan navigates how digital assets fit into its financial and legal frameworks while managing a rise in crypto-linked crime.

How Much Crypto Does Taiwan Control

The Bitcoin is part of a larger collection of confiscated digital assets, with the total estimated value reaching roughly NT$1.3 billion.

Stablecoins dominate by quantity, including 17.46 million USDT valued at NT$560.18 million, 14,254.87 USDC worth NT$459,405, and 33,578.84 units of USDC.e priced at NT$1.02 million.

Ethereum holdings stand at 2,429.97 coins, while smaller allocations include 292.53 BNB, 76,870.17 TRX, 14,628.73 LPT, 6,385.92 TWT worth NT$181,041, 7,592.1 MAX tokens at NT$82,526, and 91,656.47 BSC valued at NT$2,933.

Source: Ko Ju-Chun’s blog

Officials have not announced any plan to liquidate the Bitcoin, convert it into fiat, or auction it, leaving the assets in judicial custody as part of ongoing investigations and court proceedings.

Seized Assets Reflect Ongoing Crypto Crime Crackdown

The confiscated cryptocurrencies stem from Taiwan’s intensifying efforts to curb crypto-related criminal activity.

In August, prosecutors concluded a probe into the BitShine exchange, charging 14 individuals who allegedly defrauded 1,539 victims of NT$1.27 billion between January 2024 and April 2025.

In early November, Taipei prosecutors detained 25 people and seized NT$4.5 billion in assets linked to the Prince Group, accused of running international scam operations.

The group allegedly operated forced-labour scam centres in Cambodia, coercing individuals to persuade victims to invest in fraudulent crypto tokens and online gambling schemes.

Assets seized included luxury vehicles, real estate, and bank accounts belonging to Cambodian businessman Chen Zhi and associates.

Political Debate Emerges Over Bitcoin as Strategic Asset

The disclosure has sparked discussions in Taiwan over whether the government should consider using Bitcoin as part of national reserves.

Ko Ju-Chun, vice co-chair of the U.S.-Taiwan Caucus, stated:

“Virtual assets are no longer just speculative commodities, but a new battleground for national security and financial sovereignty.”

While no decision has been made, the presence of hundreds of millions of dollars in confiscated crypto has intensified calls for the government to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating Bitcoin into strategic reserves.

Any such move would require legislative approval and coordination with financial regulators.

Regulatory Oversight of Stablecoins Expands

Separately, Taiwan’s central bank has advocated for stricter supervision of stablecoins.

The bank has recommended that issuers maintain part of their reserves at the central bank and sought formal oversight authority under the Financial Supervisory Commission’s draft Virtual Asset Services Act.

FSC Chair Peng Jin-long told lawmakers the bill had cleared initial cabinet reviews and could pass its third reading in the next legislative session, with stablecoin regulations expected within six months, potentially paving the way for a local stablecoin by late 2026.

Seized Bitcoin Reflects Enforcement, Not Policy Shift

Despite the high-profile disclosure, the Bitcoin held by Taiwan remains tied to law enforcement processes rather than any strategic monetary policy.

Judicial control over seized assets dictates that they cannot be used for fiscal purposes until courts determine their final disposition.

Taiwan joins other governments holding Bitcoin through seizures, but unlike nations actively integrating the cryptocurrency into reserves, its holdings are procedural and case-driven.

Taiwan Ranks Among Governments With Confiscated Bitcoin

Taiwan’s 210.45 BTC places the country among the world’s leading governments in terms of seized Bitcoin holdings.

Based on Coingecko data, Taiwan’s holdings would rank the country ninth globally, just behind Venezuela, in terms of government-held Bitcoin from confiscations.

The disclosure confirms that the cryptocurrency is held under judicial custody as part of ongoing investigations, rather than being acquired as a strategic reserve, clarifying earlier social media speculation about state Bitcoin ownership.