Post
Topic
Board Service Discussion
Re: Filing injunction by May 16 to release seized Mt. Gox bitcoins
by
DrApricot
on 10/05/2014, 20:12:11 UTC
Interesting, but what sort of action would this be?
I'm not sure what Tuck had in mind, nor am I any lawyer, but the basis should probably be something like the "innocent owner defence" in asset seizure.

See: 18 U.S. Code § 983 - General rules for civil forfeiture proceedings
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/983
Quote
d) Innocent Owner Defense.—
It seems to me it would be easier to conduct a freedom of information act request on information regarding Mt. Gox's customers Bitcoins.  This information should not give away anything about ongoing criminal investigations and should be accepted.  It would simply request different bureacracies such as the FBI or other likely involved agencies to release information as to the whereabouts and/or ownership powers over customers' Bitcoins.  Gets rid of the step of a legal case against the government which could take years.

After the request gives back information you would know whether the story is true or not, and the government would be able to continue its investigation, so it should be an easier way then forcing it to court from the get go.
I'd be very surprised if someone hasn't already done a FOIA request, and imagine if the bitcoins and cash were actually seized, that there would be some kind of attempt to control political fallout from having ticked off tens of thousands of investors through collapsing Mt. Gox. Please keep in mind that the Japanese government could be involved too, if not completely responsible. Does Japan have a FOIA law?