Alexey Pertsev, a developer of the Tornado Cash crypto mixing service, is asking financial help to fight a legal battle against a well-funded government prosecution with extensive resources.
Pertsev’s support team announced that he has run out of money and needs $750,000 to $1 million to continue his legal fight. They encouraged people to support him, saying, “It’s time to stand with Alexey and fight for what’s right.
Support from cryto community to Alexey Pertsev
The crypto community has shown strong support for Pertsev and his co-developer Roman Storm, both of them are charged with money laundering, sanctions violations, and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business via Tornado Cash.
This support led to the formation of JusticeDAO, a group raising funds for their defense. By June 19, JusticeDAO had collected over 654 Ether (ETH), worth around $2.3 million then, via a campaign called “Free Alexey & Roman” on Juicebox
Even with the funds raised, Pertsev’s legal costs are still high. JusticeDAO has raised an additional 70 ETH. They have shared a public spreadsheet showing $1.39 million spent on legal fees from December 2023 to May 2024
Despite the support, Pertsev’s situation is still tough. He remains in jail after bail was denied, and his lawyers are appealing the money laundering charges. His defense is further complicated because the court has not allowed him to use a computer to prepare for his appeal.
In March, the Court of Appeal in the Netherlands sentenced Pertsev to five years and four months in prison for laundering $1.2 billion through Tornado Cash.
