Bitstamp is the next MtGox...

[Timo Y]

AML/KYC regulations are insanely draconian.

Try to interact with any kind of business in the financial sector that is even slightly "innovative", and soon you will run into exactly the same barriers. This problem is not isolated to Bitstamp or even just Bitcoin businesses.

Last year I tried to invest a paltry 300 GBP into a biotech startup via a crowdfunding initiative. My investment was blocked by the crowdfunding company because of "not passing AML/KYC checks"  Not delayed or hindered by identity checks, but outright prohibited.  The reason given was that I am suspicious because am a resident of The Netherlands and have the audacity to invest in the UK!   These are two highly developed EU countries; surely the ability to invest across them is something you would take for granted?  A that point, I felt more like I was living in Venezuela than the EU.

Similar experience with Transferwise. Tried to send a relatively small amount from UK to Eurozone. Again, my transaction was frozen with no advance warning and they refused  to release my money it unless I send them sensitive info like passport scans etc. Again they cited AML/KYC compliance.  Funnily enough, when transferring a much larger amount directly from UK bank to Eurozone bank (and paying a ripoff exchange rate) no questions were asked.  

Based on these experiences and others, I am actually surprised that Bitstamp isn't being more restrictive with its customers than they are being right now.

As for btc-e, I find it incredible that they have managed to get away without doing AML/KYC checks in this kind of regulatory climate.   The only way that I can explain it is that there is something shady going on there.  

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[malevolent]

As for btc-e, I find it incredible that they have managed to get away without doing AML/KYC checks in this kind of regulatory climate.   They only way that I can explain it is that there is something shady going on there.  

They won't bother you with AML/KYC if you use one of the payment systems (middlemen), afaik they'll only ask for it if you want to make direct wire transfers.

[m3]

Some of you are right by saying that when Bitcoin will approach it's true potential and will break record highs at above $1000 you should just move your bitcoin's off of any exchange and store them in cold storage or on your own wallet. However, until that day comes we can be sure that BTC-e will not pull anything since they have been around for quite some time and have seen high btc prices.

[21pilot]

As for btc-e, I find it incredible that they have managed to get away without doing AML/KYC checks in this kind of regulatory climate.   They only way that I can explain it is that there is something shady going on there.  

They won't bother you with AML/KYC if you use one of the payment systems (middlemen), afaik they'll only ask for it if you want to make direct wire transfers.

but you have to do AML/KYC procedures at the payment systems (OKPay, Perfectmoney)...

in the online gambling world several gaming providers do it very similar to BTC-E and don´t ask you for documents if you
deposit using one of these payment services (they rely on OkPay, Perfectmoney, Skrill, Neteller to comply
with money laundering guidelines).

Therefore I don´t think the BTC-E way of doing things is as weird as some of you seem to think.

[Cyberdyne]

Why the fuck are you using images to post?

It might be a bug.
(i.e. a tracking device.)