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Crypto mixers have a long history and are often used by the dark side of cryptocurrencies. While frequently chosen for laundering criminal proceeds and obscuring traces, privacy-conscious crypto investors also utilize crypto mixers. Naturally, this is not something that pleases governments.
TORN Coin Founder in Jail
Alexey Pertsev, who developed Tornado Cash as open-source software, has long faced money laundering charges. Pertsev’s defense attorney Keith Cheng recently announced that his client’s bail request was surprisingly denied. Additionally, Pertsev’s request for computer access to prepare for his appeal was also rejected.
The court decided to continue the detention, which hinders the defense’s preparation. Pertsev’s lawyer Judith de Boer objected to the court’s decision, stating that it is unacceptable to try such a case involving fundamental legal issues with the defendant in custody.
“This unprecedented case addresses when a software developer can be criminally liable for third-party misuse.”
This aspect is crucial because Tornado Cash is an open-source protocol supported by many developers anonymously. There are many open-source software programs, and this ongoing case will set a significant precedent regarding the responsibilities developers might face if people use their software for criminal purposes.
Tornado Cash Developer
Crypto mixer platform developer, found guilty of laundering $1.2 billion in illegal assets in the Netherlands, was facing a sentence of 5 years and 4 months. JusticeDAO is raising funds to support his legal defense after his third bail request was denied.
“As the legal team prepares for the appeal hearing, Alexey will spend the next year in jail. This is a great injustice. Developers should not be imprisoned for the actions of third parties.”
In the March hearing, Pertsev objected to being held responsible for the illegal use of the open-source protocol, but the court did not agree. The court argued that developers could prevent the misuse of the protocol by criminals if they wished. However, detecting and preventing this is not as easy as the court claims, and achieving 100% success is impossible.
