Would appreciate if a steemian could help me to clarify some doubt. As you know, this week the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has arrested Alexander Vinnik (BTC-e.com Operator) on July 26. The indictment details that “BTC-e was an exchange used for criminals worldwide” and Vinnik used this tool to liquidate bitcoin into U.S. dollars, Rubles, and Euros. Since this time it is no more possible to connect and to trade on www.btc-e.com.
After checking on whois and IP locator, I discover that the server from btc-e.com was located in LENEXA (KANSAS - USA).
What does it mean ?
That means the server is ruled by U.S. law and that means Civil asset forfeiture allows federal or local law enforcement to confiscate property and wealth from anyone suspected of committing a crime or of being connected to one. The targeted person doesn’t need to be charged or arrested. No crime needs to be proven.
Please have a look at the article from Wendy McElroy (https://news.bitcoin.com/do-not-help-u-s-cops-seize-your-assets/)
After reading this article, If I understand well, every person in the world who has stored money or cryptocoins on btc-e.com, will probably never find his assets again ?
I feel extremely pity and poor for those of the bitcoin community (traders, miners,...) who work hard and patiently, for some during many years to store some money or bitcoin on btc-e.com, and who can't actually have access to their wallet. This creates probably some dramatics situations.
Looks like it is better to not store anymore any bitcoin or cryptos on a platform which server is located in the USA.
Thanks for reading my post. Your comment or clarification about this situation are welcome.