Iconic Mt. Gox Protest Sign Auctioned with Reserve Price of 4.5 BTC
Kolin Burges, known for his protest outside Mt. Gox in 2014, is auctioning the iconic cardboard sign he used to demand answers from CEO Mark Karpeles regarding missing bitcoins. The auction starts with a reserve price of 4.5 BTC ($383,000) and runs until April 3.
Key points:
- Burges traveled from London to Tokyo after Mt. Gox froze withdrawals.
- His protest gained significant media attention, including coverage from major outlets.
- Karpeles dismissed Burges' demands, citing technical issues.
- Mt. Gox's attempts to manage the crisis included inviting protesters inside to mitigate public visibility.
- The exchange filed for bankruptcy shortly after the protest began.
- Karpeles was found guilty of data manipulation but acquitted of embezzlement; he received a suspended sentence.
- He launched a new crypto exchange, EllipX, and a ratings company, Ungox, in 2022.
Burges highlighted the ominous signs of Mt. Gox's financial troubles, including declined transactions during meetings with representatives.