DOJ Challenges Charges Against Tornado Cash Co-founder
The U.S. Department of Justice has contested a motion to dismiss charges against Roman Semenov, co-founder of Tornado Cash, arguing that the defense's motion is premature and introduces disputed facts.
According to prosecutors, Semenov should face charges related to Tornado Cash, a cryptocurrency mixing service launched in 2019.
They accuse Semenov and co-founder Roman Storm of money laundering, operating an unlicensed money transmission service, and violating sanctions.
Despite Storm’s plea of not guilty and release on bond, his legal team sought dismissal of the indictment, claiming insufficient grounds for charges.
Semenov’s defense highlighted Tornado Cash’s non-custodial nature and argued against its classification as a financial institution.
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Prosecutors, led by Damian Williams, maintain Semenov’s responsibility in operating the mixer and criticize the lack of measures to exclude sanctioned addresses.
The DOJ’s stance comes amid increased scrutiny of cryptocurrency mixing services. Recently, the co-founders of Samourai Wallet were arrested, raising questions about the legality of such services.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at CoinsPress
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