Tornado Cash developer Alexey Pertsev has been granted bail, allowing him to argue his case from outside prison, as stated by his lawyer on February 7. Pertsev was convicted of money laundering on May 14, 2024, sentenced to five years, and accused of laundering $1.2 billion in illicit crypto through Tornado Cash. His lawyer, Judith de Boer, highlighted that pretrial detention was unacceptable given the case's legal complexities and argued the bail decision is vital for ensuring a fair trial and access to necessary resources, including the internet. Pertsev claims he should not be held liable for the actions of Tornado Cash users who misused the decentralized protocol. The implications of his conviction are significant for software developers in the crypto space, raising concerns over liability for the tools they create. Advocates have raised funds to support Pertsev's legal defense, although earlier funding efforts faced challenges. The case reflects the ongoing debate over privacy tools in cryptocurrency and the shift in accountability for developers within decentralized networks.

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