Vitalik Buterin Donates 30 ETH to Tornado Cash Developers’ Legal Fund

Buterin's donation of 30 ETH, equivalent to approximately $111,000, aims to support their legal battles through the decentralized...

Vitalik Buterin

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has made a significant contribution to the legal defense of Tornado Cash developers, Alexey Pertsev and Roman Storm.

Buterin’s donation of 30 ETH, equivalent to approximately $111,000, aims to support their legal battles through the decentralized fundraising platform Juicebox.

Support for Tornado Cash Creators

Buterin’s donation, initiated from his wallet address vital.eth, was sent to the “Free Alexey & Roman” legal fund on Juicebox at 1:58 a.m. EST. The fund, dedicated to providing legal assistance to the developers of Tornado Cash, has so far raised 591 ETH, amounting to about $2.2 million.

Legal Troubles of Tornado Cash

Tornado Cash, an Ethereum-based crypto mixer, has been under scrutiny for its alleged involvement in money laundering activities. Dutch authorities have convicted Alexey Pertsev, sentencing him to 64 months in prison for facilitating the laundering of $1.2 billion through the mixer between July 2019 and August 2022. Pertsev is currently appealing his conviction to the Hertogenbosch Court of Appeal in the Netherlands.

Roman Storm, another key developer of Tornado Cash, has also been entangled in legal issues. Arrested in the United States in 2023, Storm remains incarcerated with his trial scheduled for September.

Vitalik Buterin’s Philanthropic Efforts

Buterin’s support for the Tornado Cash developers is not an isolated incident. He has a history of using his wealth to support various causes. For instance, Buterin previously donated 10 ETH (approximately $30,980 at the time) to AssangeDAO, a legal fund on Juicebox created to aid WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

The Importance of Legal Defense Funds

The establishment of legal defense funds through platforms like Juicebox highlights the growing need for decentralized support systems in the crypto community. These funds provide crucial financial resources for individuals facing legal challenges related to their involvement in the cryptocurrency industry.

Conclusion

Vitalik Buterin’s substantial donation to the Tornado Cash legal fund underscores the ongoing legal battles faced by developers in the crypto space. As the fund continues to grow, it aims to ensure that Alexey Pertsev and Roman Storm receive the necessary legal support to defend themselves against serious allegations.

The case of Tornado Cash serves as a stark reminder of the complex legal landscape surrounding cryptocurrency and the vital role of community support in navigating these challenges.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Arslan Butt
Index & Commodity Analyst
Arslan Butt serves as the Lead Commodities and Indices Analyst, bringing a wealth of expertise to the field. With an MBA in Behavioral Finance and active progress towards a Ph.D., Arslan possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics.His professional journey includes a significant role as a senior analyst at a leading brokerage firm, complementing his extensive experience as a market analyst and day trader. Adept in educating others, Arslan has a commendable track record as an instructor and public speaker.His incisive analyses, particularly within the realms of cryptocurrency and forex markets, are showcased across esteemed financial publications such as ForexCrunch, InsideBitcoins, and EconomyWatch, solidifying his reputation in the financial community.

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