It's official the arrest of Alexander Vinnik is related to btc-e. They appear to have laundered mtgox stolen bitcoins. I'm surprised this isn't bigger news in this sub. btc-e was a major player when it came to laundering illegal bitcoins. The operators of the site were ghosts util now.
An interesting side note. Their server does not appear to have been seized. It still has maintenance not and their twitter page says they will return in 5-10 days.
http://archive.is/loR5U#selection-3589.0-3589.42
Update2: На данный момент ведутся работы по восстановлению работы сервиса.
Примерные сроки от 5 до 10 дней. Спасибо за понимание #btce
Google Translate:
At the moment, work is underway to restore the service.
Approximate terms from 5 to 10 days. Thank you for understanding #btce
Tinfoil hat theory: Alexandre Cazes did not commit suicide. He was placed in witness protection because he had information about Alexander Vinnik.