Alexey Pertsev, Tornado Cash developer, is set to be released from prison under electronic monitoring as he appeals his money laundering conviction.
Pertsev's Appeal Plans
Pertsev confirmed the news of his release on February 6 in a post on X. 'Dear Friends, on Friday 7 February at 10 am I will be free! It is not real freedom, but it is better than prison,' he said. A Dutch court suspended his pretrial detention under electronic monitoring, allowing him to focus on his appeal and fight for justice.
Debate Over Developer Liability
The case has sparked debates on financial privacy and the responsibility of developers for the use of their code. Pertsev's case gained momentum after a U.S. federal appeals court ruled in November 2024 that sanctions against Tornado Cash were unlawful. The decision supports privacy advocates' arguments that developers should not be punished for actions beyond their control.
Community Support and Vitalik Buterin's Reaction
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin expressed concern over Pertsev’s prosecution, calling it a troubling precedent for developers. Speaking at a Berlin conference, he said, 'The situation with Alexey is quite unfortunate.' Buterin has also made several ETH donations to the 31-year-old developer's legal fund through the decentralized fundraising platform Juicebox.
Pertsev's release under electronic monitoring allows him to focus on his appeal. The case highlights important issues of privacy and developer liability, attracting attention both within and outside the crypto space.
