94,636 BTC Tied to Bitfinex Hack Pose Legal Risk to U.S. Strategic Reserve

The U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve holds approximately 328,372 BTC, of which nearly 94,636 BTC are linked to the 2016 Bitfinex hack, K33 Research reported in a Feb. 25, 2026 update by Vetle Lunde. The government's consolidation of digital assets faces legal uncertainty because a significant portion is subject to litigation that could reduce the sovereign balance, with courts needing to resolve ownership claims before final distribution. K33 Research indicated that if rulings favor victims, at least 75,000 BTC could gradually reenter the market over an 18-month period. Bitfinex's LEO token is trading at a 60% premium, suggesting the market anticipates a favorable legal resolution; the exchange plans to use 80% of recovered funds to repurchase and burn its native token.