Ann Investigation Intelligence firm Kharon has revealed that Tornado Cash developer Alexey Pertsev is a former employee of a US-sanctioned company that worked with the Russian security agency FSB.
according to report, Pertsev worked as a smart contract developer at Digital Security OOO.U.S. Treasury Department Licensed A Russian entity in 2018 that allegedly developed a project in 2015 that helped boost Russia’s offensive cyber capabilities.
Kharon’s vice president of research, Nick Grothaus, said:
“You worked for this man [Digital Security OOO] And did a penetration test myself, and the Treasury designated a company to assist the FSB’s hacking function. ”
From digital security to PepperSec
Following the US designation, Pertsev moved to co-founder. pepper sec, Security company for white hat hackers, 2020.
With more than $7 billion allegedly laundered through Tornado Cash, the Treasury Department has approved the following protocol: August 8th. Dutch authorities arrested Pertserv on suspicion of facilitating and covering up money laundering activities in subsequent cases.
Alex Zaden, a fellow at the Center for a New America Security, said the investigation casts doubt on the credibility of the Tornado Cache developer, in response to Karon’s report. Zelden also added:
“This is very important information that informs why the US government and Dutch authorities have taken certain actions.”
Officials still hold classified information
The cryptocurrency community has lashed out at authorities for violating individual privacy and sanctioning open source code. But some government supporters argue that the move benefits everyone.
Zelden said the crypto community would appreciate government efforts if they knew what was going on behind the scenes. Yes, Zerden added.
Often, officials are unable to provide information to the public because of classification requirements.
Meanwhile, U.S. Congressman Tom Emer has urged the Treasury Department to clarify issues related to the Tornado Cash sanctions. He argues that sanctions affect not only national security, but the privacy rights of all American citizens.