Roman Semenov, co-founder of Tornado Cash, a decentralized privacy solution platform, has been added to the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s (OFAC) sanctions list. This move by OFAC restricts Semenov’s access to the US financial system and prohibits US citizens from engaging in transactions with him. The addition of Semenov to the sanctions list is seen as a step towards cracking down on illicit activities carried out using privacy-focused cryptocurrencies.
Recently, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced that it has designated Roman Semenov, one of the co-founders of Tornado Cash, as a specially designated national. This comes as a result of Semenov’s alleged involvement in money laundering activities. In addition to Semenov, the FBI and the IRS have also detained another co-founder, Roman Storm, on charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, operating an unauthorized money-transfer business, and violating sanctions.
The Allegations
According to Wally Adeyemo, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Semenov and Storm are accused of laundering hundreds of millions of dollars worth of stolen cryptocurrency on behalf of the Lazarus Group, which is connected to the North Korean regime. Semenov’s email addresses and Ethereum wallets have been documented by OFAC.
Legal Actions
The inclusion of Semenov in OFAC’s list follows a recent ruling in favor of the US Treasury in a lawsuit filed by Tornado Cash. The company tried to challenge OFAC’s authority and jurisdiction in banning the crypto mixer. This move by OFAC signifies a significant step in penalizing Semenov individually, rather than just targeting Tornado Cash as a whole.
The blacklisting of Tornado Cash by OFAC meant that US citizens were prohibited from using the service. This action was taken by OFAC in 2022 after it claimed that hackers had laundered around $7 billion worth of stolen cryptocurrency through the platform.
Contradiction to FinCEN Guidance
Coin Center, a crypto advocacy organization, has issued a statement questioning the indictment of Semenov and Storm. The Director of Research, Peter Van Valkenburgh, argues that the charges lack sufficient details to prove clear violations of the law. He points out that the activities of the co-founders, such as offering anonymizing software and providing web hosting and software repository services, fall more under the category of software providers rather than money transmitters.
According to Coin Center, the indictment also mentions that the defendants advertised the Tornado Cash tool, profited from a governance token, and designed aspects of it. However, these activities do not align with the definition of “acceptance and transmission” of money. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold.
Implications for Tornado Cash and the Crypto Industry
The inclusion of the Tornado Cash co-founders in OFAC’s list and the subsequent indictments have significant implications for Tornado Cash as a company and the wider crypto industry. It highlights the increased scrutiny and regulatory challenges faced by cryptocurrency mixers and anonymizing services.
By targeting the individuals behind Tornado Cash, the authorities are sending a strong message that they will hold individuals accountable for their involvement in illicit activities, even if they operate within the decentralized and anonymous realm of cryptocurrencies.
Furthermore, the case raises questions about the boundaries of regulatory oversight and the applicability of existing laws to the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies. The contradiction between the charges faced by Semenov and Storm and the guidance provided by FinCEN underscores the need for clear and comprehensive regulations that can effectively address the unique characteristics of cryptocurrencies and their associated services.
In conclusion, the recent developments surrounding Tornado Cash and its co-founders highlight the challenges and complexities of navigating the regulatory landscape in the crypto industry. As the industry continues to mature, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to develop robust frameworks that ensure both compliance and innovation.