US prosecutors object to crypto policy arguments amid MEV bot trial
US prosecutors are opposing a brief that could lead to the acquittal of two brothers accused of a $25 million MEV exploit on Ethereum.Summary
US prosecutors are contesting an amicus curiae brief filed by Coin Center in the case against Anton and James Peraire-Bueno, accused of exploiting Ethereum using MEV bots to steal $25 million in April 2023. The prosecution argues that allowing the brief, which suggests the defendants should be acquitted due to broader policy implications, would be akin to allowing for nullification and is unlawful. They maintain the court should focus solely on whether the evidence proves the defendants' guilt. The defense counters that the Coin Center brief offers a crucial perspective, highlighting that the government’s theory could criminalize common trading strategies. The case has drawn significant attention from the crypto industry due to its potential impact on future MEV-related activities, with Ethereum-based MEV revenues totaling approximately $963 million between December 2022 and January 2025. The trial is ongoing, and a guilty verdict could result in a 20-year prison sentence for each count.
(Source：Cointelegraph)