China’s Cybersecurity Agency Alleges US Government Stole $13 Billion Bitcoin

Bloomberg reports China's cybersecurity arm accuses the US government of orchestrating a $13 billion Bitcoin theft, adding tension to cyber relations between the nations.

Allegations of State-Level Operation

The theft involved 127,272 Bitcoin from LuBian mining pool in December 2020.
China's National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center claims the hack was a "state-level" operation by the US.
The delayed movement of stolen Bitcoin suggests governmental involvement.
Stolen Bitcoin is linked to Chen Zhi, accused of wire fraud and money laundering by the US.
Details on how the Bitcoin was confiscated remain undisclosed.

US Government's Forfeiture Action

The Department of Justice seized 127,271 BTC in a civil forfeiture complaint, marking the largest forfeiture action by the US.
China has accused the US of other hacking activities, including exploiting Microsoft Exchange vulnerabilities.
Chen Zhi's lawyer requests more time to trace the stolen BTC, criticizing the government's claims as "seriously misguided."
Efforts are ongoing with cryptocurrency experts to track the Bitcoin seized over a year ago.

At the time of writing, BTC trades at $102,550, down 3% in 24 hours.