So you think your anonymous do you?

[GernMiester]

http://www.americanbanker.com/bankthink/plot-thickens-in-bizarre-bitcoin-blackmail-caper-1054312-1.html


Wonder if its true but only an idiot thinks they can hide behind a PC.

[thebaron]

lol, amazing.

[Stephen Gornick]

http://www.americanbanker.com/bankthink/plot-thickens-in-bizarre-bitcoin-blackmail-caper-1054312-1.html


Wonder if its true but only an idiot thinks they can hide behind a PC.

Further discussion of this topic here:

2012-11-12 American Banker: The Plot Thickens in the Bizarre Bitcoin Blackmail C
 - http://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=123956.0

[jwzguy]

I think my anonymous what?

[notme]

I think my anonymous what?

Your anonymous stampeding cantelope.

[Morblias]

For instance, the use of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371(conspiracy) is interesting because from the documents revealed, it is not apparent that Brown worked closely with anyone else. Conspiracy typically requires 1) an express or implied agreement and 2) an overt act. Is it possible that the entire Bitcoin network can now be implicated as co-conspirators? Miners on the Bitcoin network would all be continually agreeing that the two Bitcoin addresses mentioned in the ransom notes were available to receive coins at in furtherance of the alleged conspiracy, fraud, etc. They will have also overtly acted in deciding to dedicate computing power to mining.

So.... wouldn't that mean if someone demanded cash as payment, the entire world would be breaking the law by accepting this cash not knowing it was stolen? Sigh... I hate these articles that try to say bitcoins are evil and only used for bad when this exact same stuff is happening with cash.

[benjamindees]

This article is horribly retarded.  "Matthew Elias, Director and Founder of the Cryptocurrency Legal Advocacy Group" appears to be doing quite a spectacularly shitty job.  Based on his prior posts on this forum, this really comes as no surprise to me.

The "conspiracy" charge is likely based on the claims of the extortionist herself, that she worked with an employee of PWC to obtain the tax returns.

The "racketeering" charge is basically what extortion falls under in Federal law.  It's a catch-all charge because RICO was designed to prosecute mobsters with basically no evidence of direct criminal activity, so it's almost always included.

Once again, I have to reiterate, this "CLAG" and Matthew Elias seem to be a wolf in sheep's clothing for Bitcoin, making ridiculous claims that Bitcoin is a "conspiracy" and that it is subject to Federal regulation as "commerce".

[moni3z]

He's sitting on 3 million worth of BTC yet his donation page claims he barely scrapes out a living for himself

[BCB]

This is priceless.

http://m.guardiannews.com/commentisfree/2012/nov/13/petraeus-surveillance-state-fbi?cat=commentisfree&type=article

[Lethn]

http://www.americanbanker.com/bankthink/plot-thickens-in-bizarre-bitcoin-blackmail-caper-1054312-1.html


Wonder if its true but only an idiot thinks they can hide behind a PC.

Oh it's entirely true, anyone can figure out who you are if they have hacking knowledge and a lot of time.

[JDBound]

This article is horribly retarded.  "Matthew Elias, Director and Founder of the Cryptocurrency Legal Advocacy Group" appears to be doing quite a spectacularly shitty job.  Based on his prior posts on this forum, this really comes as no surprise to me.

The "conspiracy" charge is likely based on the claims of the extortionist herself, that she worked with an employee of PWC to obtain the tax returns.

The "racketeering" charge is basically what extortion falls under in Federal law.  It's a catch-all charge because RICO was designed to prosecute mobsters with basically no evidence of direct criminal activity, so it's almost always included.

Once again, I have to reiterate, this "CLAG" and Matthew Elias seem to be a wolf in sheep's clothing for Bitcoin, making ridiculous claims that Bitcoin is a "conspiracy" and that it is subject to Federal regulation as "commerce".

Everyone will walk away from this story, and this article specifically, with totally different opinions, and I fully respect yours. In analyzing this story I attempted to remain true to my organizations public purpose, that being "To endeavor to provide clarity and support on legal issues related to cryptocurrencies to both existent and future cryptocurrencies, as well as to the legal community at large". Further our public mission statement is "...to advocate for a clear regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies." If I have failed on either of those fronts, no one is forcing you to support my organization.

There have been no charges filed in the Michael Brown investigation.

I don't see how explaining potential legal outcomes makes me a wolf in sheep's clothing. Responding to posts like this is a massive waste of time. I am putting forth a genuine effort to legitimize Bitcoin, only to defend myself against wholly baseless attacks. Thanks benjamindees, you have once again successfully demonstrated the abhorrent level of discourse that is all too common on this forum.

[RodeoX]

So bitcoin anonymity rule #1, use a new USB stick?   

[notme]

So bitcoin anonymity rule #1, use a new USB stick?   

No... it it was too recently purchased they might be able to trace it.

Use an old USB stick, but write random 0's and 1's to it 10 times.

[grondilu]

Well, last time I checked, Silk Road hadn't been shut down.

So yeah, one can be anonymous on internet.

[MysteryMiner]

It depends how knowledgeable and careful people are when trying to stay anonymous. KnightMB made few large mistakes

Next time consult with me when going to extort presidential candidate I may ask few bitcoins but at least you will not end picking up soap in prison shower!

[ElectricMucus]

Well, last time I checked, Silk Road hadn't been shut down.

So yeah, one can be anonymous on internet.

Somebody is working on it currently. But that's besides the point.

It's trying to troll people far too wide up in the hierarchy without realizing the implications.
Yes of course this is also a technological failure but there is a difference of minding your own business and kicking a wasp nest.

[MysteryMiner]

It's trying to troll people far too wide up in the hierarchy without realizing the implications.

Silk Road is the Trollololol of highest level and it is still alive for 1.5 years! Does DEA and FBI have not the best possibilities and motivation to take it down?

Yes of course this is also a technological failure

Failure and failure again. If he trolled someone else he still be caught. If done properly he would remain anonymous.

[ElectricMucus]

It's trying to troll people far too wide up in the hierarchy without realizing the implications.

Silk Road is the Trollololol of highest level and it is still alive for 1.5 years! Does DEA and FBI have not the best possibilities and motivation to take it down?

Yes of course this is also a technological failure

Failure and failure again. If he trolled someone else he still be caught. If done properly he would remain anonymous.

IDK, you might be right, but that's what my gut tells me.
I mean the romney thing was a very specifc threat to them, with a potential publicity disaster if it would get out of hand. Silk road might just be a minor inconvenience.
Think of this analogy: If you stick somebody the finger from across the street or walk over to them and tell them "You know what fuck you." What would make it more likely to get punched in the face?

[repentance]

Everyone will walk away from this story, and this article specifically, with totally different opinions, and I fully respect yours. In analyzing this story I attempted to remain true to my organizations public purpose, that being "To endeavor to provide clarity and support on legal issues related to cryptocurrencies to both existent and future cryptocurrencies, as well as to the legal community at large". Further our public mission statement is "...to advocate for a clear regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies." If I have failed on either of those fronts, no one is forcing you to support my organization.

There have been no charges filed in the Michael Brown investigation.

I don't see how explaining potential legal outcomes makes me a wolf in sheep's clothing. Responding to posts like this is a massive waste of time. I am putting forth a genuine effort to legitimize Bitcoin, only to defend myself against wholly baseless attacks. Thanks benjamindees, you have once again successfully demonstrated the abhorrent level of discourse that is all too common on this forum.

My only issue with your article is that it implies the SEC has no interest in Bitcoin, when the SEC is known to be investigating pirate's scam and that may ultimately lead to the SEC taking a stance on Bitcoin investment schemes.

[grondilu]

Think of this analogy: If you stick somebody the finger from across the street or walk over to them and tell them "You know what fuck you." What would make it more likely to get punched in the face?

 .  Nice analogy.