Looks like the FBI got to DPR's stash

[peaty]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/10/25/fbi-says-its-seized-20-million-in-bitcoins-from-ross-ulbricht-alleged-owner-of-silk-road/

Seems legit. I think most people had assumed that DRP's stash would remain under his control, looks like that isn't the case. What do we think, newbies?

[firstlast]

I think DPR wasn't as careful as he needed to be. Lesson learned.

[drpepperyummy]

Everyone has a trail from when they first got online.  Remember that

[Thursday]

What are peoples thoughts on how the coins were seized? Was it as simple as a big fat wallet.dat file just waiting to be opened?  Found a paper wallet?  Did the FBI have to crack passwords? 

[firstlast]

They were found at 34 59 20 106 36 52

[winnate]

I figured he would be smart enough to quadruple secure it.

[darkmule]

They were found at 34 59 20 106 36 52

Liar.  I tried to go there and find them, and all I found was a couple dead guys.

[uMMcQxCWELNzkt]

This is also posted here...
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=318038.0

I am not one of those wannabe mods I just figured some of the comments on the topic are worth reading. This event could actually be positive for Bitcoin.

[Shallow]

Sucks for him, jailed and nothing waiting for him when he gets out.

[zendantom]

What are peoples thoughts on how the coins were seized? Was it as simple as a big fat wallet.dat file just waiting to be opened?  Found a paper wallet?  Did the FBI have to crack passwords? 

I believe FBI compromised his computer and once he unlocked his wallet, they got the password to wallet.dat

[SilentNoise]

My guess would be he used the same password on another site.
That or he probably got complacent and choose a weak password so it would be easier to remember.

[Neutral-Neet]

First the Megaupload, now this...

[monbux]

I think DPR wasn't as careful as he needed to be. Lesson learned.

Probably left a small digital footprint, and footprint nonetheless.  Money makes you careless.

[btljuice]

Possible that he voluntarily gave up the password as part of some deal with the prosecution. I can't see any scenario where he'd ever see those bitcoins again (criminal proceeds and all).

[Taras]

First the Megaupload, now this...

I always hated Megaupload.

Sucks for him, jailed and nothing waiting for him when he gets out.

when he gets out.

I don't think that is going to happen :L

[Ditto]

What are peoples thoughts on how the coins were seized? Was it as simple as a big fat wallet.dat file just waiting to be opened?  Found a paper wallet?  Did the FBI have to crack passwords? 

FBI went through his computer and found his keys - my guess is an unencrypted wallet.dat

[reactive4ce]

Using passwords is troublesome because you can forget it, or your family wont get the BTC when you die. So paper wallet is best, but FBI can easily get private keys this way

[Lancelot19]

From what I hear, they flipped one of the top drug dealers on the silk road. A month later, they caught DPR and confiscated his bitcoins. Days later, they caught several other large dealers across Europe and the US. Seems to me that the protocol and everything is still secure, but like with most systems, the human element may be the weakest link.

[ekiro]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/10/25/fbi-says-its-seized-20-million-in-bitcoins-from-ross-ulbricht-alleged-owner-of-silk-road/

Seems legit. I think most people had assumed that DRP's stash would remain under his control, looks like that isn't the case. What do we think, newbies?

Given the recent spike in value after shutting down SR, the US government will enjoy liquidating those seized BTCs for a nice chunk of change to buy more weapons, equipment, and maybe pay someone's bonus.

I don't like the idea of the authorities hogging something cool and finite as BTCs.

[Lancelot19]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/10/25/fbi-says-its-seized-20-million-in-bitcoins-from-ross-ulbricht-alleged-owner-of-silk-road/

Seems legit. I think most people had assumed that DRP's stash would remain under his control, looks like that isn't the case. What do we think, newbies?

Given the recent spike in value after shutting down SR, the US government will enjoy liquidating those seized BTCs for a nice chunk of change to buy more weapons, equipment, and maybe pay someone's bonus.

I don't like the idea of the authorities hogging something cool and finite as BTCs.

I personally don't think they cracked his account. I think he gave up his password or they found it copied somewhere.