It looks like the SEC is going after pirateat40, which actually somewhat surprised me.
Bitcoin 'Pirate' scandal: SEC steps in amid allegations that the whole thing was a Ponzi schemeA suspected Ponzi scheme involving the online currency Bitcoin has unravelled, and I can reveal that it has drawn the attention of the American Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).
Bitcoin is a libertarian's dream – and a government's nightmare. An online, virtual currency created in 2008, it is unpoliced by any central authority, almost immune to money-laundering rules, and incredibly hard to track. It's a huge boon to those suspicious of governments or big banks, and has a legion of vocal advocates online, who love both the idea of an Austrian-economics inspired currency immune to meddling politicians, and the open-source spirit of the cryptography software required to "mine" the currency.
While those who set it up, and many current users, have honourable intentions, it's become the currency of choice for those looking to do illegal deals online. Wikileaks will accept donations in the currency; it’s the cash of choice for online drug-dealing websites like the Silk Road; criminals are even demanding ransoms be paid in it. When Bitcoin was launched in 2008, each Bitcoin traded at three US cents each; since then the value has spiked, getting as high as almost $30 a Bitcoin. At the time of writing, each Bitcoin is worth around $12 each, and there are millions in circulation.
