GoFundMe Removes Legal Fundraising Campaign for Tornado Cash – Details Inside

Well-known crowdfunding platform GoFundMe has removed the legal aid fundraiser for Tornado Cash co-founder and developer, citing a violation.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated February 15, Ryan Adams, an investor in Bankless Ventures, informed the digital asset community about the latest updates regarding the campaign.

He mentioned that GoFundMe had terminated the campaign and refunded the contributions made to Alexey Pertsev and Roman Storm.

On February 14, GoFundMe closed the campaign due to an alleged violation of its policies and returned the funds to the contributors.

The funds we sent to @rstormsf were canceled by @gofundme – they shut it down.

I anticipated this might occur but am still taken aback.

Fortunately, we have an uncensorable monetary system, allowing us to support civil liberties such as the right to a fair trial.

Resending $10k with crypto. https://t.co/5Ud4ELiaK5 pic.twitter.com/glRXwtXPBw

— RYAN SΞAN ADAMS – rsa.eth (@RyanSAdams) February 15, 2024

The platform referenced a violation of Term 22, which encompasses any activity that GoFundMe may find objectionable at its discretion, restricts others from utilizing the service, or exposes the platform, its users, or employees to any form of liability.

Crypto Users Criticize the Decision Against Tornado Cash

The X campaign account for both individuals communicated to users, stating that Term 22 could simply indicate that they disapproved of the campaign.

“Important campaign update. Yesterday, @gofundme informed the campaign organizers that the fundraiser for @rstormsf’s legal defense was canceled. They cite Term 22 of their terms of service, which can be interpreted to mean they simply didn’t like the fundraiser.”

Adams expressed that he had anticipated these developments, but alternatives in cryptocurrency for donating to the campaign are available.

He revealed the team’s intention to resend the $10,000 that was previously contributed to the cause. “Fortunately, we have an uncensorable monetary system, enabling us to support civil liberties such as the right to a fair trial,” he remarked.

Cryptocurrency users criticized the platform’s choice to remove the donations without a clear justification.

Some users characterized it as an infringement on freedoms, while others highlighted the risks associated with centralization, advocating for more decentralized donation options.

Tornado Cash in Regulatory Web

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed charges against Storm, accusing him of facilitating money laundering.

The SEC alleges that Tornado Cash assisted the notorious Lazarus Group in their efforts to evade US sanctions. Pertsev was apprehended in the Netherlands on money laundering charges in 2022 and has since been released from custody while awaiting trial.

Last month, Storm shared a video on X appealing for support from the crypto community to cover legal expenses against the DOJ.

“2024 is the year that will define the rest of my life. Honestly, I’m scared. But also hopeful that this community cares with a passion. Please donate towards my legal defense.”

Storm and Pertsev aimed to raise $1.5 million but only managed to gather $30,000 before GoFundMe terminated the campaign. The digital asset crowdfunding platform JuiceBox is now being utilized to collect funds towards their goal.

In Canada, protesters resorted to Bitcoin (BTC) in 2022 after GoFundMe removed their campaign while they opposed Covid-19 restrictions.

GoFundMe announced it would refund $9 million to donors who contributed to the Freedom Convoy Campaign.

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