Roman Storm, co-founder of the crypto mixing service Tornado Cash, has issued a financial appeal ahead of his trial where he faces money laundering charges.
Urgent Financial Appeal Before Trial
In a post on X on Saturday, Storm stated he needs to raise $500,000 immediately and will require another $1 million in the coming weeks for his legal defense. He emphasized that his team is working tirelessly to 'defend code as free speech, protect software development, and push back against government overreach that threatens us all.'
Rising Legal Costs
The legal aid organization Free Pertsev & Storm supporting Tornado Cash’s founders initially projected Storm’s legal expenses to be around $2 million. However, on Friday, it was revealed that the projected costs have surged to $3.5 million as the trial is likely to last up to four weeks due to 'complex legal arguments and unforeseen witnesses and evidence.'
Community Support from Crypto Investors
Storm’s fundraising efforts have reached approximately $1.96 million, representing 57% of his $3.5 million goal. Donations are made in Ether, fluctuating with market prices. Currently, ETH is trading above $3,000, up 3% over the past 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap. The Ethereum Foundation announced last month it would contribute $500,000 toward the co-founder’s legal defense and will match community donations up to $750,000.
Roman Storm's fundraising campaign highlights growing concerns in the crypto community over potential precedents set by his case.
