US Seized Venezuela for Bitcoin, Not Oil? Report Claims Billions in Hidden Crypto Treasure

• Reports suggest Venezuela may hold a 'shadow reserve' of Bitcoin worth up to $60 billion, sparking debate on US motives.
• Official trackers show Venezuela with only 240 Bitcoins ($22 million), but unverified reports claim 600,000-660,000 Bitcoins.
• Venezuela allegedly accumulated Bitcoin after 2018 US sanctions, exchanging gold for crypto and converting oil export payments from USDT to Bitcoin.
• Bitcoin was chosen over gold or dollars due to its decentralized nature, ease of cross-border transfer, and difficulty in tracking, offering refuge from hyperinflation.
• The US government holds 198,000-328,000 Bitcoins from criminal seizures; Donald Trump announced a 'Strategic Bitcoin Reserve'.

Why It Matters: Speculation mounts that the US targeted Venezuela for its alleged Bitcoin reserves, not oil, potentially impacting global crypto markets.