Jun 14, 2025

Ethereum Foundation Pledges $500K for Roman Storm’s Legal Defense

The Ethereum Foundation has pledged $500,000 toward the legal defense of Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, as he prepares for a pivotal federal trial set to begin on July 14 in New York. Storm faces charges of money laundering, violating U.S. sanctions, and operating an unlicensed money transmission business due to his role in developing the privacy-focused crypto mixer.

In a public statement posted on X, the Ethereum Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to open-source innovation and the protection of developer rights, stating: “Privacy is normal, and writing code is not a crime.” Alongside its own contribution, the Foundation also committed to match up to $750,000 in community donations—mobilizing potentially over $1.25 million in defense funding.

Storm’s indictment stems from Tornado Cash’s alleged use in laundering billions of dollars, including funds linked to North Korea’s Lazarus Group. While the Treasury has sanctioned the protocol’s smart contracts, Storm’s legal team argues that immutable, decentralized code cannot be controlled by any one person—and therefore shouldn’t be criminalized.

“If I Lose, DeFi Dies”: Roman Storm Issues Dire Warning

With the trial now weeks away, Roman Storm has broken his silence on the stakes involved. In a statement on X, Storm described his case as a broader attack on decentralized finance:

“In 31 days, I face trial. The DOJ wants to bury DeFi, saying I should’ve controlled it, added KYC, never built it… If I lose, DeFi dies with me.”

Storm also alleged that the Southern District of New York (SDNY) is attempting to suppress expert testimony in his favor, further intensifying concern among developers and privacy advocates alike. His case follows the conviction of fellow Tornado Cash developer Alexey Pertsev in the Netherlands, who was sentenced to over five years in prison in May 2024. Meanwhile, a third contributor, Roman Semenov, remains at large in Russia.

Crypto Advocacy Groups Step Up in Defense of Developers

Roman Storm’s trial has become a rallying point for digital rights organizations and Web3 advocates who view the case as a referendum on code neutrality and the rights of developers. Coin Center, the Blockchain Association, and the DeFi Education Fund have all filed amicus curiae briefs, urging the court to consider the broader implications of holding open-source developers criminally liable for tools misused by others.

The Ethereum Foundation had previously donated $1.25 million to support Alexey Pertsev’s legal defense, signaling a pattern of proactive legal engagement. Now, with Roman Storm’s trial drawing international attention, even industry leaders like Vitalik Buterin and Paradigm’s Matt Huang have joined the growing list of contributors to his defense.

As the court date nears, the outcome of Storm’s trial could reshape the boundaries of responsibility in decentralized systems—and define the future of developer freedom in the blockchain era.

Quick Facts

  • Ethereum Foundation pledged $500,000 for Storm’s defense and will match $750,000 in community donations.
  • Roman Storm faces trial on July 14 for building Tornado Cash.
  • U.S. prosecutors allege the protocol was used to launder billions, including funds linked to North Korea.
  • Advocacy groups and crypto leaders have rallied to support Storm’s case.
  • The trial could set a major precedent for open-source development and DeFi regulation.

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