No no, I agree banks can freeze accounts.
But we are talking about a really grey company - Bitstamp.
* They are registered in UK but their bank is in Slovenia.
* They are NOT A BANK.
* No AML or KYC rules for businesses require what they ask for.
No let me explain this, I'm running a EU business and I know what I'm talking about. NO NON BANKING COMPANY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD IS ALLOWED TO TAKE DEPOSITS. Even god damn Seychelles do not allow this (had an offshore). So either this is going through their books as sale/return of a product (that's what my local law is saying, but they will take VAT because of this) or something else.
Nowhere can you find any data on their registration. Nothing else. They are AS shady as BTC-E.
Now I have no problem with btc-e - there must be a free market like silkroad - and they must remain silent.
I have a problem with people claiming Bitstamp is better than Gox or Btc-e, because they are the same.
I really hope this problem will resolve and I receive my funds. I will update this topic but for now 5 hours passed without any answer from Bitstamp which is concerning.
Yes but are you running a money services business? Or an Exchange business? Even if what they were doing was illegal, (which I highly doubt) you would still need to go to court to settle the issue. In this case, bitstamp needs only say they were being cautious and any judge on earth will probably agree with them that withholding your money was the right thing to do. Remember, if they SUSPECT maybe there is a chance you're committing a crime, their lawyers can advise them to do all sorts of things in order to cover their own asses.
As for how "shady" they are. They list their address. Go visit if it's a problem for you. They aren't hiding. They go to all the conferences, and give interviews, etc... I understand you're upset, but why don't you just answer their questions? If you don't have anything to hide- then you will be fine. If you do have something to hide- they have rightfully suspected you of it. So......