Roman Storm, co-founder of the crypto mixing service Tornado Cash, has asserted his innocence ahead of his criminal trial, claiming he is being prosecuted for writing open-source code.
Charges Against Roman Storm
Roman Storm is facing three felony charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions laws. Prosecutors allege that Tornado Cash was used to launder over $1 billion in illicit funds, some tied to North Korea’s state-sponsored hacker group Lazarus. However, Storm insists he never knowingly facilitated criminal activity.
Concerns for the Crypto Industry
Speaking about the upcoming trial, Storm warns that his case could have serious implications for the industry. "If I lose this case, DeFi dies with me," he noted, emphasizing that prosecuting developers for writing open-source code sets a dangerous precedent.
Support from Ethereum Foundation
In parallel with Storm's case, the Ethereum Foundation has pledged $1.25 million to assist another Tornado Cash developer, Alexey Pertsev, as he prepares to appeal his money laundering conviction in the Netherlands.
The case of Roman Storm raises important questions about developer rights and the future of decentralized finance. As he approaches trial, public attention is focused on the developments of this situation.
