Ethereum Foundation has announced its support for Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, pledging to match up to $500,000 towards his legal defense.
Community Support
Roman Storm's legal team announced a fundraising initiative for his legal defense. They confirmed that the Ethereum Foundation is willing to match up to $500,000 in additional donations, highlighting support for privacy innovations and open-source development.
Charges Against Roman Storm
Roman Storm was convicted on August 7, 2025, in a Manhattan federal court for conspiring to operate an unlicensed money transmitter, facing up to five years in prison if his appeal fails. A jury deadlocked on two more severe charges, leaving the door open for possible retrial.
Developer Liability Issues
Storm's defense argues that since Tornado Cash is an open-source protocol, it operates independently, and prosecuting developers over its use could set a dangerous precedent. This case raises discussions about the legitimacy of blockchain development and privacy rights, potentially impacting the future of decentralized finance.
The situation surrounding Roman Storm raises significant questions about developer liability and the future of decentralized technologies, making his case pivotal for the entire cryptocurrency space.
