Alexey Pertsev, a Russian computer programmer who formerly worked on the code for the privacy protocol called Tornado Cash, can now be released on bail as ruled by a court in the Netherlands. Pertsev was arrested on FIOD's orders, the Dutch financial authority in charge of identifying and pursuing perpetrators of financial crime. Upon receiving the court's decision his lawyer, Keith Cheng expressed enthusiasm with the outcome and reiterated his client's dedication to "working even harder and better on his defense" concerning matters related to privacy on the Ethereum blockchain. It is scheduled for Pertsev to be released next Wednesday and electronic monitoring devices will be installed in his house as part of the bail's required precautionary measures.

Previously, the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control had accused Tornado Cash of being used to raise funds illegally and promote activities implicated in North Korea's regime. The Dutch prosecutor related to this case has recently brought personal charges against Pertsev, alleging that the programmer had knowingly laundered over 500,000 ETH of illicit origin. Pertsev denies these allegations.

A further hearing on Pertsev's matter has been set for May 24th and a ruling will be given at that time. Privacy protocols such as Tornado Cash are set to face strict scrutiny around the world, especially considering their ability to enable illegal activities and launder funds. It is yet still to be determined how the legal matters surrounding Pertsev will come to a resting point in the weeks to come.



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