Tornado Cash Developer Alexey Pertsev Set to Be Released From Prison

After several months of imprisonment, Alexey Pertsev, a key developer behind Tornado Cash, is poised for release from custody on February 7, 2025.

The Dutch court has decided to lift his pretrial detention, though he will remain under electronic surveillance. This marks a turning point in his ongoing legal battle, with the crypto community celebrating his return, coinciding with a notable rise in the price of TORN, which spiked by more than 15%.

Pertsev, who was detained in 2024 on charges related to money laundering via Tornado Cash, views his release as a crucial step in continuing his fight for justice. Though the conditions are restrictive, Pertsev expressed optimism about using this time to focus on his appeal. Support from the community, including prominent figures such as Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin, has been vocal, underscoring the importance of the case for developers in the crypto space.

The legal case stems from Pertsev’s involvement with Tornado Cash, a decentralized platform that allows for anonymous transactions. In 2022, he was arrested for failing to prevent illicit use of the service, leading to a five-year sentence. However, his ongoing appeal, along with a recent favorable ruling from a U.S. court against sanctions on Tornado Cash, has reinvigorated his supporters’ push for justice.

Pertsev’s release has had a direct effect on TORN’s market performance. The token saw a dramatic surge, increasing by 15.5% in a single day. Despite minor fluctuations in the past week, the token has gained over 40% in the last month. With the backdrop of Pertsev’s release, many in the industry believe TORN could continue its upward trajectory, with some speculating that its value could rise to around $15 in the near future.