German authorities have seized 1,700 bitcoins belonging to a convicted hacker, but they’ve run into an unexpected problem—they can’t access the cryptocurrency.
The hacker was convicted in April 2014 for computer fraud, among other charges. He allegedly covertly installed software on other people’s computers to mine bitcoin, which he kept for himself. He was sentenced to more than two years in prison.
In January, FBI agents seized $77,010 in cash from a couple traveling from Dallas to California. The man and woman say they intended to use the money to buy bitcoins. The FBI, however, believes it is drug money and has begun civil asset forfeiture proceedings to permanently acquire the cash.
The man and woman, who have not been named, checked their bags into their flight at Dallas Love Field. A Southwest Airlines employee noticed that the two bags—a duffel bag and a backpack—had the “pungent and distinctive” aroma of marijuana. The employee also noted that there were “wads of USD spilling out of the backpack.” A police dog then confirmed the presence of drugs on both the duffel bag and backpack.
Continue reading
Andre Allen of West Boynton, Florida was arrested on Tuesday for his involvement in the theft of $28,000 that was to be exchanged for Bitcoin, a digital currency commonly used for online transactions. Allen, 34, faces charges for burglary, armed robbery, and battery. He is being held in Palm Beach County Jail in lieu of a $31,000 bond. The press did not specify an attorney for Allen.
According to the arrest report, the alleged robbery took place on Monday on the parking lot of a restaurant on 2024 Military Trail. Steve Manos, the victim of the robbery, met with two men who he has purportedly done business with on several occasions. On this occasion, Manos, 32, wanted to exchange $28,000 in cash for Bitcoin.
Criminal Defense and Civil Forfeiture Blog