it wasn't an actual raid, but they didn't invite the FTC. those reportedly arrested didn't even show up for work. the officers came in, gathered the employees, an attorney for District Court explained what was happening, they were given papers to sign, asked a few questions, and then sent home with only their belongings.

given the nature of their investigations and a number of individual and class-action lawsuits that also point to violations of FTC guidelines, it's tough for me to imagine a recovery. Even if they went back to work, it would only be for a short time, and under different leadership. In effect, BFL is operated by the US government until the courts decide what to do with the company and its administration.

given the time-sensitive nature of the product, if things go as well as they can, the company will be liquidated, and anyone with a legitimate order who doesn't receive their product will receive at least a partial refund. perhaps they will open the warehouse to ship what units they have, and then auction off the chips. Any way it shakes down, it is going to be rough on the customers. i'm also convinced that the whole process is going to take a very long time, since the result of any of the upcoming court cases could have strong influences on the others.

on another note, just before I began this post, i checked to see if it was possible to order anything on BFL's website, and I was able to get to the last step without being shut down. i'm not sure what the really means with regard to what happened Friday. the US DID go to BFL HQ and shut it down. two people were taken into custody, but it was likely more like simply being processed and being put out on bail so you can flee. I doubt either actually spent time in a jail cell.The hard proof that this event took place will surface. who knows if the FTC will ultimately decide BFL is in compliance, doubtful, but who knows. but still, every day that BFL can ship their products, the stronger the FTC's case will actually become. If they are not forced out of business by legal means, i believe the combination of this incident, plus upcoming class-action suits, and likely some individual suits will drive them out of business.