US Marshal Service Selects Coinbase Prime to Manage and Liquidate Seized Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies

• The U.S. has clarified the fate of its confiscated Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies amassed over the years.
• The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), a division of the Department of Justice, has selected Coinbase Prime for the management and disposal of its significant crypto assets.
• This decision follows a competitive bidding process initiated earlier this year.

The U.S. government entrusts Coinbase Prime with its seized crypto assets, ensuring secure and compliant management.

Coinbase Prime Selected as Partner for USMS Crypto Asset Management

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) has announced Coinbase Prime as its chosen partner for storing and disposing of large-scale cryptocurrency holdings. This partnership stems from an extensive competitive bidding process aimed at optimizing the management of the government’s digital assets.

Scope of the Agreement

The agreement, structured as an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, has an initial term of five years with a possibility of an additional six-month extension. The contract addresses the management needs of “Class 1” digital assets, which include significant amounts of popular cryptocurrencies. Coinbase Prime is charged with the responsibility of implementing storage and liquidation techniques that comply with Department and USMS policies.

Government’s Strategy for Digital Asset Management

By selecting Coinbase Prime, the USMS aims to enhance the efficiency of its asset forfeiture programs, facilitating the processes for the custody, management, and liquidation of digital assets. The agreement not only broadens the range of digital assets that can be managed but also assures that these processes adhere to legal and policy standards.

Evaluating the Partnership

The selection process emphasized identifying a partner that could deliver the “best value” to the government. This involved a thorough evaluation using swap methods to ensure compliance and optimal performance. The USMS highlighted the need for professional handling of digital assets, reinforcing the importance of lawful and policy-consistent management.

Performance and Capability of Coinbase Prime

Coinbase Prime has demonstrated its capability by safeguarding $330 billion in assets as of March 31 and achieving $256 billion in institutional trading volume in the first quarter of 2024. This robust performance likely influenced the USMS’s decision to award the contract to Coinbase Prime, recognizing its proficiency in dealing with substantial digital asset volumes.

Conclusion

In summary, the U.S. Marshals Service’s decision to partner with Coinbase Prime marks a significant step in the secure and efficient management of confiscated cryptocurrencies. This collaboration promises enhanced compliance and optimized processes, setting a precedent for the handling of government-seized digital assets in the future.