Arkham Identifies $5B Cluster of 45,000 Bitcoin That May Have Been Missed in German Seizure

• 45,000 BTC identified: Arkham Intelligence tied a second cluster to the Movie2K seizure.

• German authorities seized 49,858 BTC in early 2024 and sold it mid-2024 for approximately $2.89B.

• Clusters share origins from defunct exchanges Mt. Gox and AnxPro and show parallel movement patterns.

Meta description: Movie2K Bitcoin: Arkham identifies 45,000 BTC cluster tied to Movie2K; learn why the German government failed to seize these coins and what it means for the investigation.

What is the Movie2K Bitcoin cluster and why is it significant?

Movie2K Bitcoin is a cluster of roughly 45,000 BTC that Arkham Intelligence says remained dormant from November 2013 until it was moved in January 2019. The cluster is significant because its behavior and origins closely match the 49,858 BTC seized by German police in early 2024, suggesting it belongs to Movie2K operators.

How did Arkham Intelligence link the new cluster to the original Movie2K haul?

Arkham analyzed wallet activity, address types, coin quantities, and origin traces. They found:

• Shared initial deposits from the same defunct exchanges (Mt. Gox and AnxPro).
• Parallel movement timing—both clusters moved within days of each other.
• Similar address structures and transaction sizes across the clusters.

Based on these parallels, Arkham’s CEO Miguel Morel stated they have “extremely high confidence” the cluster belongs to Movie2K or its operators. Arkham Intelligence and related blockchain-forensics data were cited as information sources (plain text).

Why did the German government’s sale raise questions?

German prosecutors seized 49,858 BTC via a voluntary transfer in January 2024 and later sold those coins in July 2024 for roughly $2.89 billion at an average of $57,900 per BTC. If the government had waited until the later valuation, proceeds would have been materially higher—Arkham estimates up to $5.62 billion by today’s prices. The newly identified cluster raises questions about whether all relevant addresses were discovered during investigations.

When did the second cluster move and how much is it worth?

The second cluster remained untouched from November 2013 until movements recorded in January 2019. At current market rates cited by Arkham Intelligence, the cluster is valued at about $5 billion. These figures are based on Arkham’s public reporting and blockchain analysis (plain text references).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Movie2K operators charged in relation to the Bitcoin seizure?

Yes. Two men—one Polish and one German national—have been charged with copyright infringement, money laundering and tax evasion tied to Movie2K. Both secured suspended sentences after cooperating and providing information that identified additional suspects.

Can authorities still seize the newly identified 45,000 BTC?

Authorities may pursue the cluster if they can legally link it to the defendants and present jurisdictional grounds. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) has not publicly commented on the newly identified cluster, stating it “in principle does not comment on investigations.”

Key Takeaways

• Significant unseized cluster: A second cluster of ~45,000 BTC has been linked to Movie2K by Arkham Intelligence.
• Shared origins: Both clusters trace back to defunct exchanges Mt. Gox and AnxPro, strengthening attribution.
• Investigation implications: The discovery highlights gaps in seizure coverage and suggests further blockchain forensics may be required.

Conclusion

The Arkham Intelligence finding that an additional 45,000 BTC cluster likely belongs to Movie2K underscores the complexity of on-chain attribution and seizure processes. COINOTAG will monitor developments as investigators and blockchain forensics platforms (Arkham Intelligence, public prosecutors) continue to assess ownership and potential legal actions. Stay informed for updates and official statements.