The website was seized by the Feds because its owners/operators were charged with money laundering and tax evasion.
For the most part,
ANY ASSET used in criminal activities can be seized.
Cash, bank accounts, cars, houses, jewelry, etc.
And, seizure can happen even while the criminal defendant(s) is awaiting trial.
So much for innocent until proven guilty.
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To answer ICU's question, for the most part websites are more or less immune from the feds, locals, etc. due to Federal law:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section...ns_Decency_Act
Section 230 of the Federal Commmunications Decency Act which exempts the web operator from prosecution based on what its posters post. Note, the posters are not, per se, the website operator.
That said, however, the expense of mounting a defense can be a high bar for those charged. Prosecutors have been known to count on that most times. Think "plea bargaain."