Ethereum core developer Federico Carrone, recognized as “Fede’s Intern” on X, verified that he has been freed after a 24-hour detention in Turkey regarding purported associations with an Ethereum privacy protocol.
“I’m finally out, secure and liberated. There was a brief moment when things seemed quite dire, but with assistance from many, I was released,” Carrone stated in a post on X on Monday.
As per Carrone, Turkey’s Minister of Internal Affairs accused him of “aiding others in misusing Ethereum” in connection with a privacy protocol. Carrone asserts that this is linked to a January 2022 research document which evaluated user privacy on Ethereum and Tornado Cash.
“We never assisted anyone in engaging in illegal activities; it was strictly research concerning mixers and their characteristics,” Carrone expressed.
The incident reflects a troubling pattern of crypto developers being arrested and apprehended due to ties to open-source privacy protocols, the most notable being Tornado Cash co-creators Alexey Pertsev and Roman Storm, who is currently awaiting a final decision in a high-profile trial in New York.
This verdict could set a precedent for criminalizing open-source privacy tools, at least in the US, presenting a serious threat to decentralized finance progress while significantly limiting privacy rights.
Carrone now in Europe after receiving assistance
While Carrone is currently in Europe, he mentioned that the situation appeared bleak initially, having been informed that his mobile phone would be taken and he would be unable to communicate with anyone.
Fortunately, Carrone noted that several of his close acquaintances from the UAE, UK, US, Europe, Argentina, and even individuals from the Catholic Church promptly intervened to assist, with some reaching out to senior officials in Turkey to facilitate his release.
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Even participants within the Solana ecosystem provided contacts and extended their help, Carrone added.
“I will always remember their support and wish to one day repay everyone who assisted me.”
Carrone willing to revisit Turkey
The case remains ongoing, as per Carrone, stating that his Turkish legal representative is still working on his defense.
“We still lack a complete understanding of what transpired or the reasons behind it, but we will assemble the best team possible and resolve this,” Carrone remarked. “If necessary, [once] matters are settled, I will return to exonerate my name and defend our position.”
Carrone contributes to Storm’s legal defense
On Tuesday, Carrone disclosed that he donated $500,000 worth of Ether (ETH) to aid Storm’s legal defense amidst his situation.
“Roman’s legal defense is crucial because builders everywhere must understand they can advance innovation and that the community will support them in doing so.”
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