Bargaining chip to reduce his sentence. They have to negotiate for it compared to being able to just have it like the bank accounts. Also other benefits could be if he ever planned on this day possibly happening he could of made plans for children or family to be able to access it in such events. So the money doesn't go to funding corrupt government and can stay within his family. 

 wishful thinking.

monopoly of violence doesn't care about your imaginary tokens.

you only "own" what people with guns say you do.