Tari Universe: A New Mining App from Former Monero Developer

Riccardo "Fluffypony" Spagni, the former lead maintainer of the privacy-focused blockchain Monero, has launched a new mining app called Tari Universe. This app aims to "democratize" cryptocurrency mining by using an ASIC-resistant hashing algorithm, allowing users to mine using ordinary computers.

Following the app's recent release, Spagni stated that his goal is to make mining more accessible to everyone. "We want to create an experience where the technology gradually fades into the background," he said. "Tari Universe is about user empowerment, not suppressing them."

Spagni is promoting this L1 protocol despite facing fraud and forgery charges from his former employer, Cape Cookies. In June, a report by Mybroadband alleged that Spagni defrauded Cape Cookies of approximately $83,400 between October 1, 2009, and June 8, 2011. However, South African authorities didn't take action until August 2021, when they requested the US authorities to apprehend him.

Since his arrest and subsequent extradition to South African authorities, Spagni has maintained his innocence and attempted to have the arrest warrant revoked. However, South Africa's highest court of appeal denied this request.