Roman Storm, the co-founder of Tornado Cash, has announced his intention to raise an additional $1.5 million to cover growing legal costs as his trial progresses into its third week in New York.
Roman Storm's Request for Additional Funds
In a post on X dated July 26, Storm stated that his legal team has been 'working around the clock,' and costs are piling up fast. He mentioned, 'It sounds crazy, but I need again ~$1.5 million,' referring to the pressure of mounting expert fees and ongoing litigation demands.
Fundraising and Community Support
According to his website, over $3.2 million has been raised for the Roman Storm Legal Defense Fund, which now aims to reach a total of $5 million. The Ethereum Foundation contributed $750,000, having pledged to match community donations after an initial commitment of $500,000.
Charges Against Roman Storm
Storm faces multiple criminal charges including conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that Tornado Cash laundered over $1 billion in crypto assets. Storm has pleaded not guilty, arguing that Tornado Cash is a decentralized, non-custodial protocol.
The trial, ongoing in the Southern District of New York, could set a precedent regarding the implications for developers of decentralized protocols.
