EddieJayonCrypto
2 Jan 25
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has donated 50 ETH, approximately $170,000, to aid Tornado Cash developers Roman Storm and Alexey Pertsev in their legal defense. Buterin's contribution represents about 25% of the funds available through JusticeDAO. The developers are facing legal challenges rela...
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has made a significant contribution to the legal defense fund for Tornado Cash developers Roman Storm and Alexey Pertsev, donating 50 ETH, valued at approximately $170,000. This donation represents about 25% of the funds available through JusticeDAO, a community-driven initiative established to support their legal battles. The developers are facing legal challenges related to accusations of money laundering and sanctions violations. Tornado Cash, the crypto mixing protocol they are associated with, has been under scrutiny for alleged exploitation by malicious actors for illicit activities, leading to legal actions and arrests. In August 2022, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on the platform, intensifying scrutiny on the service. Dutch authorities arrested co-founder Alexey Pertsev in 2022, and he was found guilty of money laundering in May 2024, receiving a prison sentence of over five years. Pertsev is currently appealing the verdict. Meanwhile, Roman Storm and fellow developer Roman Semenov face charges of money laundering, sanctions violations, and fraud in the United States, with Storm released on bail and awaiting trial, and Semenov remaining at large. Buterin's support for the legal defense fund follows his previous contributions to controversial cases, such as the AssangeDAO legal fund and the Free Pertsev and Storm Juicebox. His generosity has been acknowledged by Roman Storm, who expressed immense gratitude for Buterin's unwavering support and leadership by example. This latest donation from Buterin signifies not only a financial contribution but also a show of solidarity with individuals navigating complex legal battles within the cryptocurrency space. As Tornado Cash developers continue to face ongoing legal challenges, Buterin's involvement serves as a poignant reminder of the supportive community dynamics within the cryptocurrency industry.