Tornado Cash founder Roman Storm has accused the U.S. Department of Justice of hindering his defense ahead of his upcoming trial.
Allegations Against Tornado Cash
The U.S. government accused Tornado Cash of aiding the North Korean hacker group Lazarus, leading to sanctions in 2023. The platform facilitates transaction anonymity, making it convenient for both lawful and criminal users.
Roman Storm's Trial
Storm stated that his lawyers sought six expert witnesses to testify in his defense, but only one was accepted. He warned that a loss could signify the end of financial freedom for DeFi users, alleging that the DOJ is attempting to 'crush' decentralized finance.
Community Support and Implications
The Ethereum Foundation pledged $500,000 towards Storm's defense and is prepared to match $750,000 from the community. Various organizations submitted amicus briefs in support of Storm, with significant donations also received.
Roman Storm's legal battle against the DOJ highlights crucial issues around regulation and accountability in the DeFi space, potentially impacting blockchain developers and users.
