Tornado Cash co-founder just got out of prison

Alexey Pertsev's release sparks renewed debate on privacy-focused crypto developers and legal implications.

Key Takeaways

Alexey Pertsev, co-founder of Tornado Cash, has been released from prison under electronic monitoring. The TORN token increased in value following news of Pertsev's release, highlighting ongoing debates in the crypto sector. <?xml encoding="UTF-8"?>

Just minutes ago, Alexey Pertsev, co-founder of Tornado Cash, has been released from prison and placed under electronic monitoring as he prepares to appeal his money laundering conviction related to the crypto mixer platform.

Freedom is priceless, but my freedom cost a lot of money. My house arrest was only possible thanks to the work of lawyers, who were paid from your donations. My fight is not over yet and for a final and confident victory I still need your help. Please support our fight here… pic.twitter.com/WT1eWhXhAi

— Alexey Pertsev (@alex_pertsev) February 7, 2025

A Dutch court suspended Pertsev’s pretrial detention, with his release scheduled for today, February 7.

The decision follows multiple denied bail requests and comes amid ongoing debates about the legal treatment of privacy-focused crypto developers.

His case has attracted support from privacy advocates and the crypto community, with organizations like JusticeDAO raising funds for his legal defense. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin donated 30 ETH to the Tornado Cash legal defense fund in May.

“Freedom is priceless, but my freedom cost a lot of money… My fight is not over yet… Please support our fight here ➡️ http://codewithoutfear.eu #FreedomToCode,” Pertsev posted following his release.

In November, a federal appeals court ruled that the Treasury’s sanctions on Tornado Cash were unlawful, highlighting limitations on government regulatory power over decentralized technologies.

The sanctions had previously affected users whose funds were locked or who were blocked from exchanges due to interactions with sanctioned addresses.

The TORN token, associated with Tornado Cash, saw an increase in value following news of Pertsev’s release.

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