In an unexpected turn of events, an Ethereum Developer known as “Fede’s intern” has been released from Turkish custody, sparking a wave of support within the crypto community. This developer, who previously faced accusations of facilitating the misuse of Ethereum, announced his release with a pledge to contribute a substantial $500,000 to the defense of Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash.
Ethereum Developer’s Detainment and Release
The developer, identified as “Fede’s intern,” was detained by Turkish authorities in Izmir. Accused of aiding in the misuse of Ethereum, his detention raised significant concerns among blockchain enthusiasts. However, he took to X to declare his newfound freedom, stating, “Finally out, safe and free,” which brought relief to many in the community.
Upon arrival in Turkey, “Fede’s intern” was detained at passport control, a surprising move as he was there to collaborate on a DeFi project with local associates. His legal team quickly mobilized, working alongside the crypto community to address the situation and secure his release.
Connection to a Privacy Protocol
The accusations against the Ethereum Developer were allegedly linked to a privacy protocol, although specifics were not disclosed. This situation echoes the arrest of Tornado Cash developer Alexey Pertsev, as “Fede’s intern” revealed that his team had published a paper on deanonymizing users on Tornado Cash. He stressed that their work was purely academic and not intended to facilitate illegal activities.
Despite his release, he is still piecing together the full story and is assembling a top-tier team to better understand and address the accusations.
A Generous Contribution to Roman Storm’s Defense
Following his release, “Fede’s intern” announced an increase in his planned donation to Roman Storm’s legal defense from $50,000 to a staggering $500,000. This move underscores his belief in open-source principles and the importance of supporting innovation within the crypto community.
Roman Storm, who faced charges related to money laundering and sanction violations, recently received a guilty verdict from a New York jury. The Ethereum Foundation has pledged to match donations up to $500,000 to further support Storm’s defense efforts.
“Fede’s intern” emphasized that this legal support is crucial for builders who drive innovation. This gesture reinforces the crypto community’s solidarity and commitment to protecting its members.
The ongoing support from the Ethereum Foundation and the broader community highlights the importance of collaboration and unity in advancing technological innovations and ensuring the safety of developers working in the open-source space.
