Michael Lewellen, a crypto security expert and lecturer at Dallas University, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over its legal actions targeting blockchain code developers. Lewellen, who is also a member of the Texas Blockchain Council, challenges the DOJ’s approach to prosecuting developers of decentralized protocols, such as crypto mixers like Tornado Cash.
The lawsuit stems from the DOJ’s efforts to classify protocols like Tornado Cash as money-transmitting services, accusing developers of writing code that could potentially be misused by criminals. This legal stance has drawn criticism from the crypto community, which has likened it to blaming car manufacturers for accidents that occur on the road.
A prior federal court ruling had clarified that code creators cannot be held liable for developing decentralized protocols, leading to Tornado Cash’s removal from the U.S. Treasury’s sanctions list. However, the DOJ continues its prosecution of developers linked to Tornado Cash and other crypto mixers.
Lewellen’s lawsuit argues that the DOJ’s actions are unjust and overreach, citing three key points: the lack of statutory authority to target software creators for running “money-transmitting businesses,” infringement on the First Amendment, and violation of due process rights.
In his statement, Lewellen emphasized the need for clearer laws to ensure that innovators can continue developing new technologies without fear of legal retribution. He criticized the Biden administration’s lack of clarity on the issue, stating that it has created an environment that discourages innovation and drives builders away from the U.S.
The lawsuit is supported by the crypto advocacy group CoinCenter, marking another significant effort by the industry to defend the right to code and challenge legal overreach in the blockchain space.
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