Federico Carrone, known in the crypto community as 'Fede’s Intern,' was detained in Turkey for 24 hours. His release has drawn attention to the legal risks faced by privacy tool developers.
Circumstances of Arrest
Carrone confirmed his release in a post, saying, 'I'm finally out, safe and free. There was a small moment where things looked very bad but thanks to help from many I got released.' Turkish authorities accused him of 'helping others misuse Ethereum' in connection with privacy protocol research.
Worrying Trend of Arrests
Carrone's detention is part of a troubling trend of targeting developers involved with privacy protocols. Tornado Cash creators Alexey Pertsev and Roman Storm have also faced legal pressure. There are concerns that such outcomes could set precedents in the U.S. regarding criminal prosecution of open-source software developers.
Legal Implications for Developers
While Carrone is free, the case remains active, with his attorney working on his defense. 'If needed, once things are sorted out, I will come back to clear my name and defend ourselves,' Carrone said. In a show of solidarity, he announced a $500,000 donation for Roman Storm’s legal defense.
Federico Carrone's situation highlights the complex legal issues facing privacy developers, raising concerns about the future of innovation in decentralized finance and privacy rights.
