Over 300 Bitcoin wallets linked to the now-defunct darknet marketplace Silk Road went active on Tuesday, transferring millions of dollars worth of Bitcoin to an unidentified address.  According to data from blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence, around 312 wallets associated with Silk Road collectively sent over $3.1 million worth of Bitcoins to the address “bc1q…ga54.”  […]Over 300 Bitcoin wallets linked to the now-defunct darknet marketplace Silk Road went active on Tuesday, transferring millions of dollars worth of Bitcoin to an unidentified address.  According to data from blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence, around 312 wallets associated with Silk Road collectively sent over $3.1 million worth of Bitcoins to the address “bc1q…ga54.”  […]

Silk Road-linked BTC wallets come out of a decade of dormancy, move $3.14M

2025/12/10 19:26

Over 300 Bitcoin wallets linked to the now-defunct darknet marketplace Silk Road went active on Tuesday, transferring millions of dollars worth of Bitcoin to an unidentified address. 

According to data from blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence, around 312 wallets associated with Silk Road collectively sent over $3.1 million worth of Bitcoins to the address “bc1q…ga54.” 

The address has received a total of 33.73706370 BTC, which equates to roughly $3.14 million at current prices, although it has yet to send any Bitcoin onward, leaving the full sum untouched at present.

The sudden activity from wallets dormant for more than ten years was identified by anonymous Plasma developer going by the username Googly on X, but as of now, the reason behind the transfers is unclear. Arkham Intelligence notes that Silk Road-linked wallets still hold an estimated $38.5 million in Bitcoin.

Silk Road wallets move Bitcoin for the second time in 2025

Silk Road, shut down by the FBI in 2013, was infamous for facilitating the sale of illegal goods using Bitcoin through the dark web. Founder Ross Ulbricht was convicted in connection with the marketplace, though he was later pardoned by President Donald Trump in late January this year. 

“I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbricht to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross,” Trump posted on his app Truth Social.

Coinbase Director Conor Grogan had been tracking the existence of Silk Road wallets that were untouched by authorities at the time of Ulbricht’s pardon. Through a thread on social platform X, Grogan mentioned he identified roughly $47 million worth of Bitcoins linked to Ulbricht that had been securely stashed for over 13 years. 

On Tuesday, he resurfaced that post while responding to the pseudonymous Plasma Foundation operator “0xG00gly,” who had flagged the latest transfers.

“I found ~430 BTC across dozens of wallets associated with Ross Ulbricht that were not confiscated by the US government and have been untouched for 13+ years,” Grogan wrote. “Back then these were probably dust wallets, now, collectively, they are worth about $47 million.”

Cryptopolitan had reported back in May that two long-dormant Silk Road wallets transferred a combined 3,421 Bitcoins, valued at roughly $322.5 million at the time. Per Whale Alert, these accounts were first established in July 2013 and were inactive for more than a decade, much like the ones that made the Tuesday transfer.

Blockchain analytics firm Blockchair noted that the initial transfer alone involved 2,343.481 BTC, distributed in several outputs. One of the wallets executed 21 outputs, while 30 of the outputs were directed to a newly generated wallet. The total value of Bitcoin moved in this first transaction exceeded $221 million.

US government Silk Road Bitcoin seizures

At least one wallet in the current Arkham Intelligence cluster, labeled “Silk Road: Individual X (1HQ3G),” had previously been involved in a US government forfeiture procedure in November 2020. At that time, chatter on social media pointed the ownership finger to Ulbricht, claiming a “third-party” had access to the Bitcoin and moved it while Ulbricht was incarcerated.

Authorities later clarified that the funds were not moved by Ulbricht, explaining that a hacker identified only as “Individual X” had stolen the Bitcoin from a Silk Road account in 2012 or 2013 worth over $1 billion.

Much of the Bitcoin currently held by the United States is from Silk Road-related crimes. In November 2021, the Internal Revenue Service confiscated 50,676 BTC from another hacker, James Zhong.

Federal authorities freeze or seize assets deemed proceeds of criminal activity, including cryptos like Bitcoin.

After his pardon, Ross Ulbricht delivered his first speech upon release in May, stating that the Trump administration shared his sentiments about freedom and decentralization. 

“Just as long as we can agree that we deserve freedom, and that decentralization is how we secure it, we can be united. We can have each other’s backs. Just like you had mine,” the Silk Road marketplace founder surmised.

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Bonds: Existing bonds with higher yields might become more valuable, but new bonds will likely offer lower returns. Dollar Strength: A rate cut can weaken the U.S. dollar, making exports cheaper and potentially benefiting multinational corporations. Potential for Cryptocurrency Markets: The cryptocurrency market, while often seen as uncorrelated, can still react significantly to macro-economic shifts. A Fed rate cut could be interpreted as: Increased Risk Appetite: With traditional investments offering lower returns, investors might seek higher-yielding or more volatile assets like cryptocurrencies. Inflation Hedge Narrative: If rate cuts are perceived as a precursor to inflation, assets like Bitcoin, often dubbed “digital gold,” could gain traction as an inflation hedge. Liquidity Influx: A more accommodative monetary environment generally means more liquidity in the financial system, some of which could flow into digital assets. Looking Ahead: What Could This Mean for Your Portfolio? While the 94% probability for a Fed rate cut in October is compelling, it’s essential to consider the nuances. Market probabilities can shift, and the Fed’s ultimate decision will depend on incoming economic data. Actionable Insights: Stay Informed: Continue to monitor economic reports, inflation data, and future Fed statements. Diversify: A diversified portfolio can help mitigate risks associated with sudden market shifts. Assess Risk Tolerance: Understand how a potential rate cut might affect your specific investments and adjust your strategy accordingly. This increased likelihood of a Fed rate cut presents both opportunities and challenges. It underscores the interconnectedness of traditional finance and the emerging digital asset space. Investors should remain vigilant and prepared for potential volatility. The financial landscape is always evolving, and the significant surge in the probability of an October Fed rate cut is a clear signal of impending change. From stimulating economic growth to potentially fueling interest in digital assets, the implications are vast. Staying informed and strategically positioned will be key as we approach this crucial decision point. The market is now almost certain of a rate cut, and understanding its potential ripple effects is paramount for every investor. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)? A1: The FOMC is the monetary policymaking body of the Federal Reserve System. It sets the federal funds rate, which influences other interest rates and economic conditions. Q2: How does a Fed rate cut impact the U.S. dollar? A2: A rate cut typically makes the U.S. dollar less attractive to foreign investors seeking higher returns, potentially leading to a weakening of the dollar against other currencies. Q3: Why might a Fed rate cut be good for cryptocurrency? A3: Lower interest rates can reduce the appeal of traditional investments, encouraging investors to seek higher returns in alternative assets like cryptocurrencies. It can also be seen as a sign of increased liquidity or potential inflation, benefiting assets like Bitcoin. Q4: Is a 94% probability a guarantee of a rate cut? A4: While a 94% probability is very high, it is not a guarantee. Market probabilities reflect current sentiment and data, but the Federal Reserve’s final decision will depend on all available economic information leading up to their meeting. Q5: What should investors do in response to this news? A5: Investors should stay informed about economic developments, review their portfolio diversification, and assess their risk tolerance. Consider how potential changes in interest rates might affect different asset classes and adjust strategies as needed. Did you find this analysis helpful? Share this article with your network to keep others informed about the potential impact of the upcoming Fed rate cut and its implications for the financial markets! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action. This post Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94% first appeared on BitcoinWorld.
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Coinstats2025/09/18 02:25