[ckastner]

> I don't think Mark ever expected to handle that kind of money. It just sort of happened.

That is probably true, and I wouldn't expect anyone to stand in the way of something that they had created and that developed such a momentum. How could one!

What I would expect, however, is (1) that person to recognize this momentum, (2) to recognize that this momentum is way above the person's head, and (3) to rent or hire the know-how necessary to deal with this.

IT Security consultants, legal experts, people with experience in running exchange systems, etc.

> One of the things usually needed to prove a crime was committed was that there was the intent to commit it.

There's no question of that, as the court found that he had tampered with accounts and manipulated records to hide losses.

[lovemenot]

I actually met Mark once, on the very day that it was reported here on HN that Mt. Gox had been breached. This was a couple of years before the melt-down.

I had read the story here and, having just a little experience of Financial systems (nowhere near enough) I offered to help.

Mark took my meeting on that day because, in retrospect, he was likely looking for a Hail Mary. Perhaps hoping for a ransom demand.

He was at least smart enough to know I wasn't it. Nevertheless, if there had been good options, as you seem to suppose, I very much doubt he'd have taken my meeting.

Mark was in over his head, even then. And that tsunami just kept on rolling in. I wish him well.