The recent sentencing of Tornado Cash developer Alexey Pertsev by a Dutch court has sparked disappointment within the crypto industry, but experts suggest that the outcome may not necessarily affect the pending case of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm in the United States later this year.

Pertsev, aged 31, was convicted by a Dutch court for laundering approximately $1.2 billion in cryptocurrency through the Tornado Cash mixer. He was sentenced to five years and four months in prison by a three-judge panel. The court's conclusion emphasized Pertsev's complicity in the laundering scheme.

Meanwhile, the trial of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm in the United States is scheduled to commence on September 23. Storm and his co-founder, Roman Semenov, were charged by U.S. prosecutors last year with conspiracy to commit money laundering, sanctions violations, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Semenov remains at large.

Storm's defense team has filed a motion to dismiss the charges, including a First Amendment defense arguing that coding constitutes free speech. Several crypto organizations, including Coin Center, the Blockchain Association, and the DeFi Education Fund, have filed amicus briefs in support of the motion, highlighting factual and legal errors in the government's indictment.

A spokesperson from the DeFi Education Fund expressed disappointment over Pertsev's case outcome but asserted that it should not impact Storm's case in the U.S. The spokesperson emphasized that the government's theory of liability in Storm's indictment is unprecedented and does not align with existing U.S. laws.

Peter Van Valkenburgh, research director at Coin Center, echoed this sentiment, stating that the verdict in Pertsev's case should not influence Storm's case. He pointed out significant differences in criminal statutes and constitutional law between Dutch and American courts, particularly concerning the First Amendment protections.

Van Valkenburgh expressed sadness over Pertsev's verdict and warned of potential legal ramifications for software developers in Europe. He highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the scope of liability for developers in the EU, particularly in light of the Dutch court's ruling.

Similarly, the Blockchain Association reiterated its commitment to defending developers' rights globally, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the right to code for all software developers.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the crypto industry remains vigilant in advocating for developers' rights and navigating the complex intersection of technology and law.