In August, the US government announced that crypto mixer Tornado Cash made illegal for US residents. But other governments also saw the opportunity to wipe the floor with anonymous crypto transactions. Tornado Cash developer Alexey Pertsev was even arrested in Amsterdam. It is now known that he will remain in prison for a while.
Crypto Mixer Developer Stuck
Pertsev was arrested by the Amsterdam police shortly after the sanctions on the mixer came into effect in August. The Dutch government has not explicitly banned the use of crypto mixers at all, but it is said to have provided resources to facilitate terrorist financing. This has been strongly criticized by the crypto community. Still, it’s clear enough for the police to keep detaining him.
The Block has been in contact with Pertsev’s wife, Ksenia Malik. She states that the judge rejected Pertsev’s request to be released. He will remain in prison until at least the end of November. She is also afraid that Pertsev’s house will be confiscated and put up for auction. His car was even impounded when he was arrested. It is also auctioned.
Malik is afraid that her husband will be sent back to Russia, where he was born. She thinks he will end up on the battlefield in Ukraine after that. Compulsory military service has been introduced in Russia. The Public Prosecution Service and the Financial Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD) have not yet responded to the disclosure.
Sanctions on mixer in violation of constitution?
We’ve known for years that mixers are not exactly popular with the government. The Public Prosecutor argued that Pertsev is punishable because he provides malicious software. Furthermore, the mixer has not implemented any mechanisms that prevent money laundering.
But critics say the ban violates the US Constitution. It would restrict freedom of expression too much.