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Comment by dvzk | Hacker News Reader

It’s a moot point. If BTC is seized or forfeited to the US government, and the (co-)owner later transfers them out of the original wallet, it will likely only accomplish the addition of felony criminal charges. It is an assist to the federal prosecutors. Case in point, Gary Harmon, who probably wouldn’t be on trial otherwise.

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um... $311M will set you up _very well_ for life in many, MANY countries. you just need to get to one without US extradition (or without US extradition for this activity).

So, very worth the extra criminal charge if you've been thinking ahead.

In the very unlikely dream scenario you mention, you are alone in a disreputable nation with no connections. You are weak and a tempting target for blackmail, robbery, kidnapping, and extortion. A bounty is placed on your head by the most powerful nation in the history of the world.

You would think the failed track record of knowledgeable criminals like Gary and Ulbricht would convince the crypto-anarchist losers that their fantasies are implausible, but for some reason it never happens.

> A bounty is placed on your head by the most powerful nation in the history of the world.

Seriously? The US does that?

I interpreted it as a sort of unofficial bounty. The US will announce that someone is Wanted and the story will inevitably break that they are in possession of $311m - so if you find that person and are determined[0] you can collect a bounty of sorts

[0] https://xkcd.com/538/

i would say that the large cash rewards given for information leading to the capture of folks on the FBI's Most Wanted list qualify as bounties.

Or issuing a red notice through Interpol, that usually covers it as well. Especially if said fugitive is not as connected as the Marsalek guy from Wirecard or was granted asylum somewhere.

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