Crypto Think Tank Fellow Sues DOJ to Protect Future Privacy-Focused Project from Prosecution

Constitutional Challenge Questions DOJ's Authority to Criminalize Open-Source Code

  • Crypto think tank member files preemptive lawsuit against DOJ to protect upcoming blockchain project.
  • Lawsuit challenges constitutionality of prosecuting software developers for cryptocurrency tools.
  • Case follows prosecutions of Tornado Cash and Samourai Wallet developers.
  • Plaintiff’s Pharos platform aims to create decentralized crowdfunding with privacy features.
  • Similar preventive legal actions emerging amid regulatory uncertainty in crypto space.

A blockchain entrepreneur has filed a lawsuit against U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, seeking protection from potential criminal prosecution for his upcoming cryptocurrency project. The case, initiated by Michael Lewellen of Coin Center, questions the Department of Justice’s authority to prosecute developers of non-custodial cryptocurrency software.

- Advertisement -

Constitutional Challenge

The lawsuit contends that the DOJ’s recent actions against cryptocurrency developers violate First and Fifth Amendment rights. At stake are the prosecutions of Roman Storm, developer of privacy mixer Tornado Cash, who faces 45 years in prison, and Keonne Rodriguez of Samourai Wallet, who could receive 25 years. Both defendants maintain their innocence.

Pharos Project Details

Lewellen’s planned platform, Pharos, functions as a blockchain-based crowdfunding service on Ethereum. The system employs smart contracts – self-executing code on the blockchain – to automatically return funds if projects don’t reach their goals. A key feature includes donor privacy protection, while the developer receives only predetermined fees from successful campaigns.

Legal Precedents and Context

This case mirrors a growing trend of preemptive legal actions in the cryptocurrency sector. Last year, NFT artists pursued similar declaratory judgment against the Securities and Exchange Commission. The strategy reflects the industry’s response to regulatory ambiguity, as developers seek clarity before launching projects.

The DOJ leadership transition, with Pam Bondi nominated as the incoming Attorney General, adds another layer of complexity to the case’s trajectory. The named defendant will automatically transfer to Garland’s successor upon confirmation.

✅ Follow BITNEWSBOT on Facebook, LinkedIn, X.com, and Google News for instant updates.

Consider a small donation to support our journalism

Previous Articles:

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Maine Attorney General Recovers Thousands in Crypto Scam Case

The Maine Attorney General's Office has recovered thousands of dollars for a victim of...

Coinbase Shares Hit Highest Level Since 2021 Nasdaq Debut

Coinbase stock reached its highest price since its 2021 listing, nearly returning to debut...

BPX Gains FCA Nod to Trade Tokenized Securities in the UK

BPX, a startup focused on trading tokenized securities, received several authorizations from the UK’s...

Shopify, Coinbase Launch USDC Payments; Mastercard Expands Crypto Access

Shopify and Coinbase allow merchants to accept USDC stablecoin payments, making crypto transactions easier...

Coinbase Launches Wrapped ADA and LTC on Base, COIN Hits New High

Coinbase has introduced wrapped versions of Cardano (ADA) and Litecoin (LTC) on its Ethereum...

Must Read

Sushiswap vs Uniswap, What are the differences between these dex?

It's no secret that the world of decentralized exchanges has exploded in recent years. Many of you are probably wondering what the difference is...