Китайские эксперты обвинили США в использовании кибератаки для захвата украденных 127 000 BTC Translation: Chinese experts accused the US of using a cyberattack to seize stolen 127,000 BTC.

The Chinese Computer Virus Emergency Response Center (CVERC) has described the seizure of 127,271 BTC by US authorities in October as a cyberattack «conducted by a state-level hacking group.» This was reported by local media.

CVERC specialists noted in a published report that the confiscated assets were originally stolen from the LuBian mining pool in 2020. At that time, the stolen 127,426 BTC, valued at around $3.5 billion, belonged to Chen Zhi, head of the Cambodian Prince Group.

The breach went largely unnoticed until 2025, when in October the US Department of Justice charged the entrepreneur with orchestrating criminal activities «worth billions.» As a result, the agency confiscated bitcoins valued at approximately $15 billion.

CVERC outlined the timeline of events in stages and characterized the operation by US authorities as a typical «thieves’ fight.»

Chinese experts believe the characteristics of the LuBian hack suggest the use of advanced hacking tools typically available at the state level. The stolen assets remained dormant for about four years, which deviates from the usual behavior of cybercriminals who seek profit.

Moreover, over 1,500 requests from the LuBian team to discuss the return of bitcoins for a reward went unanswered.

In the summer of 2024, the stolen assets were transferred to new addresses, which the analytical platform Arkham later linked to the US government. Subsequently, the coins remained inactive again.

Experts from CVERC state, based on blockchain data analysis, that the seized funds are not connected to criminal sources, contrary to claims made by US authorities. Approximately 17,800 BTC were obtained by LuBian through mining, around 2,300 BTC came from pool fees, and approximately 107,100 coins were transferred from exchanges and other legal platforms.

The assertions made by the Chinese government organization could incite a «cold crypto war» between the US and China, according to Naeem Aslam, investment director at Zaye Capital Markets.

«As blockchain data verifies transactions but not ownership rights, this confrontation could redefine the sovereignty of digital assets and the legitimacy of law enforcement,» he emphasized.

It’s worth noting that in March, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that establishes the formation of a national reserve of confiscated cryptocurrencies.