The Department of Justice (DOJ) opposes a motion to dismiss charges against Roman Semenov, co-founder of Tornado Cash, alleging conspiracy and money laundering.
The DOJ argues that the motion prematurely introduces disputed facts that should be decided by a jury, suggesting the case's complexities are unfit for early resolution.
Tornado Cash, operating since 2019, is accused of functioning beyond a mere mixer, utilising a website interface, smart contracts, and a network of "relayers."
The DOJ alleges that Tornado Cash facilitated money laundering, ran an unlicensed money transmission business, and breached sanctions, including aiding North Korea’s Lazarus Group in laundering illicit funds.
Criticism is directed at Tornado Cash's founders for purportedly failing to block sanctioned addresses, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations and the platform's alleged involvement in financial crimes.