Ethereum core developer Federico Carrone, who was detained in Turkey’s Izmir on August 10, was released after 24 hours. Known online as “Fede’s Intern”, the developer was detained for allegedly facilitating the misuse of Ethereum privacy tools. Carrone had firmly rejected the accusations, saying his 2022 research on Ethereum mixers like Tornado Cash was for educational purposes only and not for illegal use.
The Argentine blockchain developer, took to X to post about his ordeal and finally his release. He said “writing code to make transactions private doesn’t make you a criminal” and went on to explain the background of his arrest.
I’m finally out, safe and free. There was a small moment were things looked very bad but thanks to help from many I got released. Sorry if I didn’t answer every message. I was in calls non stop the last 24 hours with too many people and I only slept two hours.
Yesterday I landed… https://t.co/d54KXELtbC pic.twitter.com/z1c39K1yAS— Fede’s intern ???? (@fede_intern) August 11, 2025
During his detention, Carrone feared losing access to his phone and being isolated. However, support came pouring in from peers across the UAE, UK, US, Europe, Argentina, and even the Catholic Church, helping him secure his release.
Pledging support to Roman Storm
Following his release, Carrone pledged $500,000 in Ether toward the legal defense of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm. He said he was initially looking to support Storm trial with only $50K but decided to increase the amount after what happened ot him.
“Roman’s legal defense matters because builders everywhere need to know they can push innovation forward and that the community will stand behind them when they do.” Adding that “When we stop defending our innovators, we stop building the future.” Strom’s trial in the U.S. is being viewed as a significant test case for privacy tools in decentralized finance.
The case has sparked a broader conversation on the legal ambiguity surrounding privacy protocol research. Carrone confirmed that although he is safe in Europe, his legal team remains active in Turkey to help the authorities with their investigations.