US opposes DeFi Education Fund amicus brief in $25M Ethereum MEV case facing 2026 retrial

In a December 30 filing, interim US Attorney Jay Clayton asked a New York federal judge to reject the DeFi Education Fund's amicus brief in the criminal case against Anton and James Peraire-Bueno over a $25 million Ethereum MEV exploit. Prosecutors argued the brief repeats legal arguments already decided and adds no new facts, while DEF warned the prosecution could chill DeFi development and a retrial window has been floated for late February or early March 2026. The case is being closely followed across the crypto sector because of its potential impact on MEV practices and developer risk.