Ethereum News Today: Ethereum Developer Detained in Turkey Over Privacy Protocol Allegations

Ethereum core developer Federico Carrone, known in the community as “Fede’s Intern,” was detained for 24 hours in Izmir, Turkey, in late July and early August 2025, following accusations from local authorities that he had assisted in the misuse of Ethereum’s privacy protocols. During his detention, Carrone emphasized that his work centered on infrastructure development and academic research into privacy and zero-knowledge technologies, and denied any intent to support illegal activity [1].

The incident, initially reported on July 20, attracted attention after Turkish Interior Ministry officials reportedly connected Carrone to alleged misuse of the Ethereum network. However, no formal charges were filed, and Carrone was released after a brief detention. He described the experience as stressful, noting the possibility of phone confiscation or isolation. His release was supported by the global Ethereum community, with assistance from contacts across the UAE, UK, U.S., Europe, and Argentina [2].

In the aftermath of his release, Carrone donated $500,000 in Ether to support the legal defense of Roman Storm, co-creator of the Tornado Cash mixer, who is currently on trial in the U.S. Carrone’s actions reflect growing concerns within the privacy-focused developer community regarding legal risks and the uncertain regulatory landscape. He likened his situation to that of Roman Storm, suggesting that his case could set a precedent by potentially criminalizing the development of privacy tools [3].

Carrone has expressed his intention to return to Turkey to clear his name and has highlighted the importance of community solidarity in supporting developers under legal scrutiny. The incident has reignited discussions on the need for clearer legal frameworks for decentralized technologies, particularly in jurisdictions where regulations are still evolving [4].

Despite the attention the case has generated, it has not triggered any noticeable market reaction. Ethereum prices and trading volumes remained stable, with no public statements issued by the Ethereum Foundation or exchanges regarding the event. While the developer’s detention raised questions about the legal status of privacy research, there has been no regulatory response or legal changes directly linked to the incident [5].

This case underscores the broader tensions between innovation in blockchain and the legal ambiguities surrounding privacy-enhancing technologies. It serves as a cautionary example for developers working in jurisdictions where regulatory clarity is lacking, highlighting the risks they may face when engaging in research that intersects with privacy and anonymity features.

Sources:

[1] Cointelegraph. "Ethereum Core Dev Safe And Free After Being Detained In ..." https://cointelegraph.com/news/ethereum-dev-released-after-being-detained-turkey

[2] Turkish Business Today. "Ethereum developer, Federico Carrone, known pseudonymously as Fede's Intern, has finally left Turkey after being detained for hours." https://www.turkishbusinesstoday.com/

[3] Turkish Technology Press. "Blockchain developer known as Fede's Intern confirmed his release from Turkish custody on August 11 after authorities detained him over alleged connections to..." https://www.turkishtechnologypress.com/

[4] Binance. "Ethereum Developer Released After Detention in Turkey ..." https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/28197705665137

[5] Cointelegraph. "Ethereum core dev 'safe and free' after being detained in Turkey." https://cointelegraph.com/