GoFundMe Shuts Down Fundraiser for Tornado Cash Co-founder's Legal Defense
Summary:
GoFundMe halted a fundraiser for the legal defense of Tornado Cash's co-founder Roman Storm and developer Alexey Pertsev amid charges from U.S. authorities for allegedly sidestepping sanctions. Citing a terms of service violation, the platform confirmed refunding contributors within 3-7 business days. Before its cancellation, the fundraiser amassed $30,000. Currently, Storm and Pertsev rely on the crypto fundraising platform JuiceBox, which has so far collected 316.75 Ether. Both maintain innocence regarding all charges.
GoFundMe, the popular American crowd-sourcing platform, abruptly halted a fundraising initiative intending to raise legal defence funds for Roman Storm and Alexey Pertsev, co-founder and developer, respectively, of the contentious crypto mixer Tornado Cash. On January 22, Storm published a video appealing to community members to help cover legal expenses for their pending legal fight with U.S. authorities, who allege the company assisted users in circumventing U.S. sanctions.
Supporters of the Tornado Cash pair started offering financial aid, but on February 14, GoFundMe shut down the fundraising effort, claiming it violated their terms of service, specifically "Term 22." This stipulation insinuates that the Tornado Cash's legal fee fundraiser might place GoFundMe, its staff, or users at risk or liability.
Many donors, including Ryan Adams of Bankless Ventures, found their donations reversed when GoFundMe canceled the fundraiser. Adams remarked, "It's fortunate that we have an uncensorable financial system, enabling us to continue to fund fundamental civil liberties such as the right to a fair trial." He also promised to re-contribute his initial $10,000 to Storm through cryptocurrency. GoFundMe reassured donors that their contributions would be refunded within 3-7 business days.
While it was still active, Tornado Cash's GoFundMe drive gained $30,000 in donations. Storm and Pertsev are hoping to collect $1.5 million for their legal fees in the U.S. Currently, they're depending on the crypto funding platform JuiceBox, which has collected 316.75 Ether (ETH).
Yet, the Tornado Cash community is questioning GoFundMe's decision to halt the fundraiser, noting that the platform has permitted similar campaigns in the past. Storm and Semenov face charges of conspiring to commit money laundering, sanctions violations, and running an unlicensed money-transmitting business. Despite this, both maintain their innocence regarding all charges related to money laundering and U.S. sanctions violations. Storm, who secured $2 million bail, is prohibited from leaving specified areas of New York, New Jersey, Washington, and California.
Published At
2/16/2024 10:49:27 AM
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