Alexey Pertsev, the Netherlands-based software developer accused of money laundering for his role in creating controversial cryptocurrency mixer Tornado Cash, has been released from Dutch prison on Friday.
The move marks the end of his pretrial detention, which has lasted nearly two years, as he prepares to appeal his conviction and 64-month prison sentence handed down in May.
Pertsev was arrested in August 2022 and has remained in custody while awaiting trial and subsequent appeal. His case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the legal responsibilities of software developers, particularly in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance.
In a post on the social media platform X, Pertsev confirmed the news, stating that freedom is “priceless” and that this came thanks to the donations of the crypto industry through his Juicebox profile.
Freedom is priceless, but my freedom cost a lot of money. My house arrest was only possible thanks to the work of lawyers, who were paid from your donations. My fight is not over yet and for a final and confident victory I still need your help. Please support our fight here… pic.twitter.com/WT1eWhXhAi
— Alexey Pertsev (@alex_pertsev) February 7, 2025
Pertsev’s legal team initiated an appeal following a ruling by a U.S. federal appeals court last November that found sanctions imposed by the U.S. government against Tornado Cash to be unlawful.
Tornado Cash Developer’s Fortune Change
He had repeatedly sought bail from Dutch courts in recent months, with limited success, until the recent decision to suspend his pretrial detention. The decision came after a federal court in Texas ruled that the U.S. Treasury exceeded its authority by sanctioning the cryptocurrency mixer.
Pertsev framed his release as a step forward in his ongoing legal battle. “It is not real freedom, but it is better than prison,” he wrote, adding that it would provide “a chance to work on my appeal and fight for justice.”
The prosecution in the case has drawn sharp criticism from privacy advocates and many within the cryptocurrency community, who argue that he is being unfairly targeted for simply writing code.
Tornado Cash (TORN) picked on the news with a lot of bullish momentum, reaching $13.94 in the last two days.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for information only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
