[obstacle1]

It sounds like the bank accounts were owned by the guy's employer and he was perceived to be authorized to transact on the employer's behalf.

[berberous]

The coinbase account was also 'owned' by the guy's employer.

He opened up the account in the employer's name, submitted notarized documents, etc.

[obstacle1]

Ah, that is true. Full court doc for anyone interested in reading https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21165768-us_vs_rei_i...