Tornado Cash Co-Founder Expresses Concerns About Upcoming Trial on Money Laundering Charges
Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, a controversial cryptocurrency mixer, expressed fear and sought support from right-to-privacy advocates in anticipation of his upcoming criminal trial.
Storm faces three charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering, operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business, and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. His trial is scheduled for September 2024, and he has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
2024 is the year that will define the rest of my life.
Honestly, I’m scared. But also hopeful that this community cares with a passion.
Please donate towards my legal defense.https://t.co/dQ7SCBesIm pic.twitter.com/0jeievSUxc
— Roman S (@rstormsf) January 22, 2024
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Storm stated that his legal team is preparing a strong defense for his September 2024 trial. He said,
“Whether you’re [a] passionate developer like me involved with Web3 or just care about software and privacy, this legal battle will affect you. This case will set a major precedent for years to come.”
Storm, indicted in August 2023, is out on a $2 million bond and has emphasized the case’s potential implications for Web3 developers and individuals concerned about software and privacy. Storm’s alleged co-conspirator, Roman Semenov, remains at large, while another co-founder of Tornado Cash, Alexey Pertsev, was arrested in the Netherlands in August 2022. Pertsev was released in April 2023, before trial. As of January 22, users have reportedly contributed over $28,000 for Pertsev’s and Storm’s defense through the funding platform Juicebox.
The charges against Storm are linked to Tornado Cash’s alleged role in assisting North Korea’s Lazarus Group in evading U.S. sanctions,
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