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Nairobi (CoinChapter.com) — A Dutch court has once again denied bail for Alexey Pertsev, the developer of Tornado Cash. Pertsev remains in prison as his legal team prepares an appeal against his five-year and four-month sentence. Authorities allege Pertsev facilitated the laundering of $1.2 billion in illicit assets through the crypto mixer.
Keith Cheng, Pertsev’s defense attorney, expressed shock at the decision. He highlighted the challenges Pertsev faces in preparing for his appeal without access to a computer. However, the court maintained that his detention would not hinder his defense preparation and rejected the request for computer access on safety grounds.
Lawyer Judith de Boer criticized the ruling, arguing that the case involves complex legal issues about the liability of software developers for third-party misuse.
“This unprecedented case addresses when a software developer can be criminally liable for third-party misuse,” de Boer stated, calling the pre-trial detention “unacceptable.”
Pertsev argued in his March trial that he should not be liable for the actions of those using Tornado Cash for illegal activities. However, the court dismissed this defense. They stated that Pertsev and his co-founders should have implemented more robust measures to prevent misuse.
The prosecution labeled Pertsev as a central figure in Tornado Cash’s operations, facilitating large-scale money laundering. This perspective influenced the court’s decision to deny bail, citing the risk of flight if released. Pertsev’s bail requests were previously denied in November and February, further highlighting the court’s stringent stance.
Crypto Community Rallies for Pertsev’s Freedom
An account affiliated with JusticeDAO condemned the ruling as a “gross miscarriage of justice.” They fund the legal defense of Tornado Cash developers. They argue that developers should not be imprisoned for third-party actions. This reinforces the crypto community’s support for Pertsev.
Source: Free Pertsev and Storm
Furthermore, the crypto community has shown significant support for Alexey Pertsev, raising $2.3 million for his legal defense. Many see his case as a critical test of how legal systems address the responsibilities of developers in decentralized finance. Consequently, the community’s reaction underscores the broader implications of Pertsev’s case for software development and regulatory oversight.
Naval stressed the significance of zero-knowledge proofs for future freedoms, declaring, “The future of freedom depends on zero-knowledge proofs.” Run Juels also commented on the U.S. government’s position, stating, “Joe Biden’s administration and the Democrats are framing zero-knowledge proofs as illegal. However, some in the government recognize how valuable ZK can be for ensuring secure and accurate voting.”
Source: X
The s-Hertogenbosch Court of Appeal convicted Pertsev on May 14, attributing $1.2 billion in illicit transactions to Tornado Cash’s operations. This conviction and the latest bail denial have intensified debates about balancing innovation and regulation in the crypto sector.
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