That's a good question, if the keys have changed and the owner of them is the person who sent the funds to Bittrex still, they are fucked up.
Anyways imo the next move for all this mess should be take legal actions against Bittrex, the consensus in a blockchain don't change the law in a country, I mean the private property can't be confiscated by consensus in USA. (at least is what i think) And Bittrex is american so they should be careful with what they do.
Could happen that Bittrex end paying the JS stupidity.
I can't wait to watch the TV series of this. The guy who did it was asked who should they get to play him, and he said, Rami Malek. An excellent choice.
I think the legal fallout is exactly why they respond this way.
They need to be absolutely sure that they are not complicit to theft. Especially because they are in the USA.
I think they will not do anything until the legal owner is determined or their legal advisors tell them what is best for bittrex.
There will be a legal case for sure if they don’t send the funds back. Justin won’t let this slide. So they need to know what position they have.
The legal owner can't be discussed in terms of law, I think is very clear who are the legal owners, the blockchain policy or the rules of it don't apply in that matter. That's why this kind of statement from Bittrex that seems to be more of the sockpuppets side is dangerous for Bittrex.
As you said perfectly could be considered complicit to theft.
And that’s why they will play it safe.