{"id":14945,"date":"2025-08-12T09:11:40","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T07:11:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wsj-crypto.com\/?p=14945"},"modified":"2025-08-12T09:11:40","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T07:11:40","slug":"ethereum-core-developer-released-after-turbulent-detention-in-turkey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wsj-crypto.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/12\/ethereum-core-developer-released-after-turbulent-detention-in-turkey\/","title":{"rendered":"Ethereum Core Developer Released After Turbulent Detention in Turkey"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Ethereum core developer Federico Carrone, recognized as \u201cFede\u2019s Intern\u201d on X, verified that he has been freed after a 24-hour detention in Turkey regarding purported associations with an Ethereum privacy protocol.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m finally out, secure and liberated. There was a brief moment when things seemed quite dire, but with assistance from many, I was released,\u201d Carrone stated<\/a> in a post on X on Monday.<\/p>\n

As per Carrone, Turkey\u2019s Minister of Internal Affairs accused him of \u201caiding others in misusing Ethereum\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe never assisted anyone in engaging in illegal activities; it was strictly research concerning mixers and their characteristics,\u201d Carrone expressed.<\/p>\n

The privacy-centric crypto research document that Carrone claims may have resulted in his detention. Source: <\/em>Federico Carrone<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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<\/a> co-creators Alexey Pertsev and Roman Storm, who is currently awaiting a final decision in a high-profile trial in New York.<\/p>\n

This verdict could set a precedent<\/a> for criminalizing open-source privacy tools, at least in the US, presenting a serious threat to decentralized finance progress<\/a> while significantly limiting privacy rights.<\/p>\n

Carrone now in Europe after receiving assistance<\/h2>\n

While Carrone is currently in Europe,<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Related: <\/strong><\/em>Ethereum Fusaka hard fork expected in late 2025<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Even participants within the Solana ecosystem provided contacts and extended their help, Carrone added.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will always remember their support and wish to one day repay everyone who assisted me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Carrone taking a selfie after being released from Turkish authorities. Source: <\/em>Federico Carrone<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Carrone willing to revisit Turkey <\/h2>\n

The case remains ongoing, as per Carrone, stating that his Turkish legal representative is still working on his defense.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe still lack a complete understanding of what transpired or the reasons behind it, but we will assemble the best team possible and resolve this,\u201d Carrone remarked. \u201cIf necessary, [once] matters are settled, I will return to exonerate my name and defend our position.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carrone contributes to Storm\u2019s legal defense<\/h2>\n

On Tuesday, Carrone disclosed that he donated<\/a> $500,000 worth of Ether (ETH<\/a>) to aid<\/a> Storm\u2019s legal defense amidst his situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoman\u2019s legal defense is crucial because builders everywhere must understand they can advance innovation and that the community will support them in doing so.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Magazine: <\/strong><\/em>Ether could \u2018rip like 2021\u2019 as SOL traders brace for 10% drop: Trade Secrets<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n