On Monday, The Genesis Block posted an article titled: “Mt. Gox Seizures Linked to Silk Road in Fed Testimonies”. In that post, links between the now-defunct Silk Road and Mt. Gox are drawn:
The $5.5M seized ‘as a result of the ongoing investigation’ into Silk Road isn’t explicitly tied to Mt. Gox by the DHS statement, but when considered in conjunction with other data points it becomes clear that the two are almost certainly directly related.
Mt. Gox has apparently taken notice, quickly taking to their website to swat down any accusations of the sort. Therein:
Recently published media accounts are inferring a link between MtGox and the former online Silk Road marketplace and other illegal services and activities. MtGox denies that it has ever knowingly assisted, agreed to assist, or willingly cooperated with anyone to use Bitcoin to engage in illegal or illicit transactions.
MtGox has always endeavored to prevent its online Bitcoin exchange service from being used for illegal or illicit purposes, including implementing AML/KYC policies and procedures which are being regularly improved and updated as MtGox has grown and had to address new threats and issues. MtGox, through its US subsidiary has been legally registered as a money services business with FinCEN as of June 27, 2013.
We will say that the Silk Road case is ongoing and will not offer a personal opinion, but there you have it. We highly suggest you read The Genesis Block piece on the matter and draw your own conclusions.