Bitcoin exchange, Mt. Gox, CEO Mark Karpeles still in Japan - Action News
Home WebMail Monday, November 11, 2024, 08:18 AM | Calgary | 0.0°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
Science

Bitcoin exchange, Mt. Gox, CEO Mark Karpeles still in Japan

The head of troubled bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox says in a web post that he is still in Japan, and "working very hard" to find a solution to the Tokyo-based organization's problems.

Accusations Mt. Gox suffered catastrophic theft

Protesters gather in front of the building where Mt. Gox, a digital marketplace operator, is housed in Tokyo. Mt. Gox announced earlier this year that about 850,000 of its bitcoins were missing, most likely due to theft. (Toru Hanai/Reuters)

The head of troubledbitcoinexchange Mt.Goxsays in a web post that he is still in Japan, and "working very hard" to find a solution to the Tokyo-based organization's problems.

The exchange has suspended trading amid accusations it suffered a catastrophic theft and its website went blank Tuesday, sparking speculation that it has collapsed.

Bitcoin, created in 2009, is an online currency that allows people to make transactions across borders without involving third parties such as banks or credit card issuers.

Tokyo-based Mt. Gox was one of the world's biggest exchanges for bitcoins.

CEO Mark Karpeles, who has disappeared from the public eye, said in a two paragraph post on the Mt. Gox website dated Wednesday that he has the support of different parties in finding a "solution to our recent issues."

He did not say who they were, what the solution might be or when trading might resume.

Some bitcoin investors have travelled to Tokyo from abroad to try and reclaim money tied up in bitcoins at Mt. Gox.

In his statement, Karpeles also asked people to refrain from asking questions of Mt. Gox staff.

"Please visit this page for further announcements and updates," he said.

It is unclear whether Mt. Gox's woes make for an isolated case or will put bitcoins at risk. Boosters of the online currency say cryptography makes it immune to theft or counterfeiting but Mt. Gox's problems have underlined its risks.

Japanese authorities have said they are gathering information about the problem, but regulators said virtual currencies don't fall under their jurisdiction.

Mark Karpeles's full statement

Dear MtGox Customers,

As there is a lot of speculation regarding MtGox and its future, I would like to use this opportunity to reassure everyone that I am still in Japan, and working very hard with the support of different parties to find a solution to our recent issues.

Furthermore I would like to kindly ask that people refrain from asking questions to our staff: they have been instructed not to give any response or information. Please visit this page for further announcements and updates.

Sincerely,
Mark Karpeles

Mt. Gox website