Germany's Bundestag Passes Bill Allowing Temporary Crypto Seizures

Germany’s Bundestag has passed a bill that would let customs officials temporarily seize crypto holdings worth more than €100,000 when specific evidence suggests the assets came from illegal activity. The proposal would give customs officials authority to intervene before criminal proceedings begin.

The measure covers Bitcoin (BTC) and other crypto assets. It focuses on holdings above €100,000, but a large balance alone would not justify a seizure. Customs would need specific evidence that the assets had an illegal origin.

For holders, the central change is when authorities could act: a temporary seizure could come before a criminal case is opened. That step would not decide whether the assets are permanently lost. A financial court would still have to rule on final confiscation.

The measure creates an administrative seizure power, while reserving the final confiscation decision for a court. The bill is not yet in force: it still needs approval from the Bundesrat and formal promulgation. It is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.