Supporting Crypto Privacy: Vitalik Buterin Donates 30 ETH to Tornado Cash Developers Legal Fund 🌐
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently made a generous donation of 30 ETH, valued at approximately $113,000, to support the legal defense of Tornado Cash developers Alexey Pertsev and Roman Storm. The donation was facilitated through the decentralized fundraising platform Juicebox.
Open Source Is Not a Crime 🛡️
Buterin, along with other crypto veterans, has been a vocal advocate for privacy tools that allow individuals to manage their crypto assets discreetly. With a history of contributing to initiatives aimed at enhancing privacy in the crypto space, Buterin’s support for the Tornado Cash developers is in line with his values.
- Messages of solidarity and encouragement have accompanied donations to the legal fund, emphasizing support for the developers.
- Phrases like “you have our support” and “code is not guilty” highlight the importance of defending the principles of open source and freedom.
Legal Challenges for Tornado Cash Creators ⚖️
Tornado Cash, known for its focus on privacy and anonymity in crypto transactions, has faced scrutiny due to its misuse by bad actors engaging in illicit activities such as money laundering and hacking. This misuse prompted regulatory action from the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which sanctioned Tornado Cash in August 2022.
- Developer Alexey Pertsev was arrested in Amsterdam on charges related to facilitating criminal financial activities and money laundering through the Ethereum mixing service.
- Another developer, Roman Storm, was also arrested in Washington State for his alleged involvement in money laundering activities amounting to $1 billion.
Evolving Legal Situation 🏛️
As Pertsev serves a 5-year and 4-month sentence following his conviction, Roman Storm awaits trial in the US after being detained since 2023. The legal proceedings against the developers underscore the complex regulatory landscape surrounding privacy tools in the crypto industry.
Sources:
1. Etherscan Transaction Record
2. Vitalik Buterin Twitter Announcement
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