Key Points:

• Ethereum Foundation backs Alexey Pertsev’s appeal with a $1.25M donation.
• Pertsev, convicted of money laundering, is fighting back in a Dutch court.
• His legal battle highlights the debate over privacy and open-source development.

Ethereum Foundation Stands Behind Tornado Cash Developer

The Ethereum Foundation (EF) has pledged $1.25 million to support the legal defense of Alexey Pertsev, the developer behind Tornado Cash, as he prepares to appeal his money laundering conviction in the Netherlands.

Announcing the donation on Feb. 26, the EF took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the principle that:

“Privacy is normal, and writing code is not a crime.”

Pertsev Expresses Gratitude for Support

Following the announcement, Pertsev reposted the EF’s message, expressing his appreciation for the financial backing in his legal fight.

“I’m very grateful that I can now completely focus on preparing my appeal. This means the world to me,” he stated.

Legal Battle Continues After Release from Custody

• Pertsev was arrested in August 2022 by Dutch authorities for his role in Tornado Cash, a privacy-focused crypto mixer.
• In May 2024, he was convicted of money laundering and sentenced to five years and four months in prison.
• He was released from custody in early February 2025, ahead of his appeal process.

The case has sparked intense debate in the crypto community, with many arguing that developers should not be held responsible for how their open-source software is used.

As Pertsev prepares his appeal, the Ethereum Foundation’s support underscores a broader fight for privacy rights and open-source development in the digital age.