- Tornado Cash developer Alexey Pertsev has been granted bail after nearly two years of detention for alleged money laundering.
- Pertsev and supporters argue he should not be held responsible for how users misuse his open-source privacy protocol.
- The crypto community, including Vitalik Buterin, has rallied to support Pertsev’s legal defense through initiatives like JusticeDAO.
Tornado Cash developer Alexey Pertsev is out of prison after three years in pre-trial detention. He confirmed on X that he is now under house arrest, wearing an electronic monitor, while he continues to appeal his $1 billion money laundering conviction related to Tornado Cash.
Freedom with Conditions
“Freedom is priceless, but my freedom cost a lot of money,” Pertsev posted, thanking supporters who funded his legal defense. He emphasized that the fight isn’t over, asking for continued help as he works on his appeal. His lawyer, Judith de Boer, expressed relief, saying his release allows for better preparation under fairer conditions.
Appeal Developments
Pertsev’s appeal gained traction after a U.S. court ruled that sanctions against Tornado Cash were unlawful. The court reversed OFAC’s penalties, ordering further proceedings in Texas. Pertsev is hopeful that these developments will strengthen his case and lead to justice.
Other Co-Founders Face Similar Charges
Roman Storm and Roman Semenov, co-founders of Tornado Cash, were arrested for laundering over $1 billion and violating sanctions. Storm was granted bail in 2023, while Semenov’s legal situation remains under scrutiny. This ongoing case could have significant implications for how decentralized protocols are regulated in the future.
