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The timing of this and the bitmixer.io [0] voluntary shutdown a few days ago is a bit strange. 0: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14843373 https://news.yc

by sjs382 9y ago

The timing of this and the bitmixer.io [0] voluntary shutdown a few days ago is a bit strange. 0: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14843373 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14843373

joosters 9y ago
Yes, the takedown of AlphaBay and Hansa darkmarkets, the bitmixer.io shutdown, the arrest of this guy and the BTC-e exchange 'down for maintenance' are all related, I would guess. The person arrested is allegedly named Alexander Vinnik, according to https://thebitcoinnews.com/alexander-vinnik-admin-btc-e-arrested-greece-4-billion-bitcoin-money-laundering/ https://thebitcoinnews.com/alexander-vinnik-admin-btc-e-arre... - but no idea where they got that name from.
- r721 9y ago
  "Alexander Vinnik" comes from updated Reuters article (with photo): http://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-russia-arrest-idUSKBN1AB1OP http://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-russia-arrest-idUSK...
  - nannal 9y ago
    Worth noting that BTC-e owner's name was Alexander and he was supposedly Russian.
    - nannal 9y ago
      https://twitter.com/ReutersTech/status/890232366320553984 https://twitter.com/ReutersTech/status/890232366320553984 It's confirmed
      - deleted 9y ago
        [deleted]
    - 0xbear 9y ago
      Vinnik is an Ukrainian last name. This by itself doesn't mean anything, he could still be Russian, but I wouldn't automatically assume so. Update: never mind, Russian press says he's Russian, a former employee of Skolkovo techno park.