Bitcoin Forum

I just had a thought (I'm still a bit of a Noob in Bitcoin  ;)

Lets say you sell someone Bitcoin via Bank Transfer or something and the person uses the Bitcoins for illegal purposes, are you liable for whatever they use it for? I've only had this thought because of all the press coverage about BTC and Drugs ETC and also might sell soon.

Thanks :D

First off, I would not even consider selling btc with a reversible payment transfer method such as the bank transfer you mentioned. Your primary question is akin to asking "If I sold my gold to someone and he used that gold to fund mass genocide in Eastern Sudan, would I be held responsible". Why would you be held liable for what someone does with your product? Surely if I sold a block of Lego to someone and he used it as a bludgeoning murder weapon I wouldn't be expected to stand trial for it right? Now on the other hand if I had inside knowledge of the buyers intentions and failed to express my due diligence that would be a different story altogether.

There are certain nuances to your question that you need to clarify. Are you aware that the btc you sold will be used for illegal activities. If yes, possible trouble for aiding and abetting. Do you have an interest in the buyers successful transaction? That is would you stand to illegally profit from the transaction somehow? There's just so many variables to think about here I could go on and on.

Would you be liable if you sold somebody a chainsaw and they went on a texas chainsaw massacre?

Just to clarify, Lets say you have no idea what it's going to be used for. Thanks for your help. I know it was a bit of a silly question but my head's been thinking about this for a while and was just wondering.

;)

A question though: What other methods, other than cash in hand and in person, can be used?

How can you be liable for whatever they use it for? it's their own buisness!

I'd be careful with these analogies.  This is exactly what the anti-gun lobby is trying to perfect - holding gun manufacturers responsible for the illicit use of their products.  The same thing is emerging in the automotive industry.  Being miners, we are the "manufacturers" (or money-launderers to certain authorities) so it's not a very large leap to say that someone might try similar logic to undermine CCs by making miners liable for the illicit use of CCs.  Of course maybe someone will develop "mining liability insurance" then...

lol ofc not, if u got legal btc and sell it to someone, u are gonna be fine. have fun.

To tell the truth that's a little bit weird question even though you are not responsible for their actions. How can you be responsible for other people if you just send these coins and if they use it for drugs that's their fault. I wish they won't do this as cause of such things bitcoins has a bad reputation

You would think not, but look at Charlie Shrem

I think you even do not know who you are selling your bitcoin to. Just like in stock market, you sell you stock and whoever bought it, has nothing to  do with you.

You are liable if you use the Bitcoins for illegal purposes ;D