U.S. authorities reportedly investigating Bitcoin businesses for connections to Silk Road

Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. authorities are apparently renewing investigations into Bitcoin Bitcoin While some may still be wondering what is Bitcoin, who created Bitcoin, or how does Bitcoin work, one thing is certain: Bitcoin has changed the world.No one can remain indifferent to this revolutionary, decentralized, digital asset nor to its blockchain technology.In fact, we’ve gone a long way ever since a Florida resident Laszlo Hanyecz made BTC’s first official commercial transaction with a real company by trading 10,000 Bitcoins for 2 pizzas at his local Papa John’s.One could now argue that While some may still be wondering what is Bitcoin, who created Bitcoin, or how does Bitcoin work, one thing is certain: Bitcoin has changed the world.No one can remain indifferent to this revolutionary, decentralized, digital asset nor to its blockchain technology.In fact, we’ve gone a long way ever since a Florida resident Laszlo Hanyecz made BTC’s first official commercial transaction with a real company by trading 10,000 Bitcoins for 2 pizzas at his local Papa John’s.One could now argue that Read this Term businesses and any potential connections to criminal activity.

Specifically, renewed interest has surfaced in who else may have been connected to Silk Road, the shuttered online narcotics marketplace which only accepted bitcoins and whose founder was arrested last October for a slew of charges.

Someone familiar with the investigations said that they are still in their early stages and no direct connections have been drawn as of yet.

The only major connection alleged to date has been Charlie Shrem, founder of now shuttered BitInstant, who was arrested on charges of money laundering in January. Prosecutors allege that he conspired to help Silk Road users Exchange Exchange An exchange is known as a marketplace that supports the trading of derivatives, commodities, securities, and other financial instruments.Generally, an exchange is accessible through a digital platform or sometimes at a tangible address where investors organize to perform trading. Among the chief responsibilities of an exchange would be to uphold honest and fair-trading practices. These are instrumental in making sure that the distribution of supported security rates on that exchange are effectiv An exchange is known as a marketplace that supports the trading of derivatives, commodities, securities, and other financial instruments.Generally, an exchange is accessible through a digital platform or sometimes at a tangible address where investors organize to perform trading. Among the chief responsibilities of an exchange would be to uphold honest and fair-trading practices. These are instrumental in making sure that the distribution of supported security rates on that exchange are effectiv Read this Term between dollars and bitcoins.

According to court documents, e-mails sent by Shrem confirm such suspicions. In one sent in April 2012, Shrem wrote, "[Silk Road] funds a decent percentage of the overall Bitcoin economy." In February of that year, he reportedly wrote, "wow, Silk Road actually works" when commenting on receipt of a shipment of marijuana brownies.

Several months ago, bitcoin exchanges were reportedly subpoenaed by prosecutors from the Manhattan Federal Court as part of another round of investigations. The exact nature and extent of these investigations is still unclear.