Ethereum’s Buterin Donates Big to Jailed Tornado Cash Dev

Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, recently made a significant donation to Alexey Pertsev, a developer of the controversial cryptocurrency mixer, Tornado Cash.

A Helping Hand

Buterin donated a total of 100 ETH, valued at approximately $340,000, to help Pertsev cover his legal fees. The donation was made in two installments through a fundraising campaign.

The Tornado Cash Case

Pertsev was sentenced to over five years in prison in the Netherlands for allegedly facilitating money laundering through Tornado Cash. The US government previously banned Tornado Cash in 2022, citing national security concerns. However, this ban was later overturned by a US appeals court which ruled that the government overstepped its authority.

Buterin’s Support

The donation was publicly acknowledged by a social media account supporting Pertsev’s legal defense. This act of support highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the regulation of cryptocurrency mixers and the legal battles faced by those involved in their development.

Disclaimer

This information is for general knowledge and should not be considered financial advice. Investing in cryptocurrency is inherently risky. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions.