The US government has opposed the DeFi Education Fund’s (DEF) request to submit an amicus brief in a major Ethereum blockchain hacking case. The case involves two brothers, Anton and James Pierre-Beno, accused of participating in an Ethereum hack valued at approximately $25 million. Acting US Attorney J. Clayton sent a letter to Judge Jessica Clarke of the Southern District of New York, stating that DEF’s brief should be rejected as it reiterates previously dismissed legal arguments. The case remains pending after Judge Clarke indefinitely postponed proceedings in November due to a lack of decisive opinion. The brothers are alleged to have used automated Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) bots in the hack. The US government has requested a retrial, potentially scheduled for February or March 2026. DEF argued that the case’s outcome could negatively impact the entire DeFi sector by creating fear among software developers and weakening participation in decentralized finance, which could hinder investment and growth. DEF urged the Department of Justice to avoid prosecuting cases based on interpretations of existing laws that might impede industry progress. The cryptocurrency industry is closely watching this case due to its connection with MEV-related activities. Another crypto advocacy group, Coin Center, has also filed an amicus brief opposing the government’s position. The charges include wire fraud, money laundering, and possession of stolen property, with potential sentences of up to 20 years per count if the brothers are convicted.
Source: binance
