Since TC is still running with both guys in jail, they clearly weren't "running it" - but the Ethereum node operators are. Should they be arrested? Are you answering this question as a laywer, or as citizen engaged in the democratic process telling me what you feel the law should be?
Ethereum is a protocol and a tool, which Tornado used it to knowingly profit from illegal transactions. Ethereum is somewhat akin (not identical) to USD, and Tornado somewhat akin to a bank operating with USD outside of the law.
I was unaware I need to get a university law degree before commenting here.
Many people are arguing that Ethereum node operators should be on the hook when they facilitate Tornado Cash transactions through their participation on the network. I'm glad we can count on your support should such arguments ever be pursued legally. Thank you.
Crypto wants to be taken serious as a financial tool. Okay, fine. This also means you have to follow the same rule as anyone else.
Don't like these rules? Fine, you're allowed to – we have a democratic process for changing that so go vote, lobby, etc. Remember the 2008 banking crisis? There are reasons these regulations exist.
Banks get fined for these types of things all the time too: https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=bank+fined+money+laundering... – crypto isn't being singled out here.
If you knowingly ignore the laws for personal profit you can expect consequences like this. Cryptopeople want to live in some sort of magical fantasy world where they both want to interact with real money and the financial markets when it suits them, but also pretend specific laws and rules for it don't apply to them when they're inconvenient. All while they're lining their pockets of course. Maybe this world has unicorns and dragons and teletubbies too.