Cryptocurrencies have been complex and were extensively used by criminals in the past. It has not been easy to improve this image and open up crypto to traditional financial markets. Criminals predominantly used crypto mixers to erase their tracks, which sparked a battle in this field long ago.
Tornado Cash and Crypto Mixers
Crypto mixers were primarily used by criminals in the past. To combat money laundering from hacks, drugs, or other illicit gains, the U.S. took action. Tornado Cash was one of the widely used crypto mixers. As a result, Tornado mixer’s co-founder Roman Storm is being prosecuted on three charges, including money laundering and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Mixers are also used by politicians seeking protection from political pressure, journalists, or those who simply want to maintain financial privacy. However, this detail does not seem to concern the U.S. and many other states much.
The Tornado Cash Case
On March 29, the lawyers of Roman Storm filed an objection in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, disputing the allegations that their client set up an organization for money laundering.
According to the defense, Tornado Cash was developed before being used by hacking groups under U.S. sanctions. This open-source software is being developed by developers around the world. Therefore, at the time of the alleged misuse, there was little Storm could do to prevent a sanctioned entity from using it.
The lawyers also stated that Tornado Cash did not charge a fee for money transfers and that users had control over their own cryptocurrencies. All this indicates that the charges are flawed and that the accusations against the co-founder should be dropped.
This case is also closely followed by a wide audience as it shows the potential for prosecution of open-source software developers. If the penalties sought for Storm are finalized, it will set a precedent for open-source developers. Tornado Cash (TORN) was trading at $2.69 at the time this article was prepared.
On March 12, we also saw the founder of another crypto mixer, Bitcoin Fog, convicted of laundering $400 million. Roman Sterlingov was convicted on four different charges.
