• Over 65 crypto organizations, including the Blockchain Association and DeFi Education Fund, have written to Trump requesting clarity on digital asset policies and intervention in Storm’s case.

• Storm was convicted on one count but deadlocked on conspiracy charges related to money laundering and sanctions violations.

• A January 22 court conference is scheduled to discuss potential retrial, with no sentencing date set for the conviction, according to court records.

Explore the Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm conviction: Advocacy push for DOJ charges dismissal amid DeFi regulatory battles. Stay informed on crypto developer rights—read now for key insights.

What is the Current Status of the Tornado Cash Co-Founder Roman Storm Conviction?

The Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm conviction stems from a federal jury’s decision in late 2024, finding him guilty of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business related to the privacy-focused cryptocurrency mixer Tornado Cash. Storm, indicted in August 2023 on three felony charges, was acquitted on none but the jury deadlocked on conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to violate sanctions. As of now, federal prosecutors may pursue a retrial on the unresolved charges, leaving Storm’s future in legal limbo while he awaits further court proceedings.

How Are Crypto Advocacy Groups Responding to the Roman Storm Tornado Cash Case?

More than 65 cryptocurrency and blockchain companies and advocacy groups have united in a formal letter to President Donald Trump, dated Thursday, pressing for intervention in the Roman Storm Tornado Cash case. Organizations such as the Solana Policy Institute, Blockchain Association, and DeFi Education Fund outlined several policy requests, including directives to the IRS and US Treasury for clearer tax guidelines on digital assets. They also sought protections for decentralized finance (DeFi) from overreaching regulators and encouraged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to provide regulatory clarity. Central to their appeal was a call to urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to dismiss all open charges against Storm and support overturning his single conviction. The groups argued that Storm’s contributions to Tornado Cash involved publishing open-source software, not financial crimes, and that dropping the case would reinforce the US commitment to developer protections, uphold the principle that code is speech under the First Amendment, and foster innovation in the blockchain space.

Source: Solana Policy Institute

The letter emphasized the broader implications for the crypto industry, highlighting how prosecutorial actions against developers could stifle technological progress. Experts in the field, including policy analysts from the Blockchain Association, have noted that such cases set dangerous precedents, potentially deterring talent from contributing to open-source projects. Data from industry reports, such as those compiled by the DeFi Education Fund, indicate that over 80% of DeFi protocols rely on open-source code, underscoring the need for legal safeguards. This collective advocacy reflects growing concerns within the sector about the intersection of criminal law and software development, with Storm’s situation serving as a flashpoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Charges Does Roman Storm Face in the Tornado Cash Legal Battle?

Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, was indicted in August 2023 on three felony counts: operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and conspiracy to violate sanctions. He was convicted on the first charge but the jury could not reach verdicts on the others, leading to potential retrial discussions as of November 2024.

Why Are Advocacy Groups Asking Donald Trump to Intervene in Roman Storm’s Case?

Crypto advocacy groups are seeking President Trump’s intervention to dismiss charges against Roman Storm because they view his Tornado Cash work as protected speech through open-source code, not criminal activity. This move would signal support for innovation, clarify DeFi regulations, and prevent chilling effects on blockchain developers, as voiced in their letter to the White House.

Key Takeaways

• Developer Protections Matter: The Roman Storm Tornado Cash case highlights the need to distinguish between software publication and financial crimes, with over 65 groups advocating for First Amendment rights in coding.
• Regulatory Clarity Urged: Requests to Trump include IRS tax policy updates and SEC/CFTC guidance, aiming to shield DeFi from ambiguous enforcement while promoting US leadership in crypto innovation.
• Legal Uncertainty Persists: With a January 22 court conference pending and no sentencing scheduled, stakeholders should monitor developments closely and consider supporting policy reforms for fairer crypto regulations.

Conclusion

The Roman Storm Tornado Cash conviction and ongoing legal challenges underscore the tensions between cryptocurrency innovation and federal enforcement, as evidenced by the unified call from major advocacy groups like the Blockchain Association and Solana Policy Institute. By integrating Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm conviction details with broader DeFi regulatory requests, this case could influence future policies protecting developers. As the industry evolves, proactive steps toward clarity from agencies like the DOJ and SEC will be essential—industry leaders encourage staying engaged to shape a more supportive environment for blockchain advancements.

Roman Storm’s defense has consistently maintained his innocence, with supporters chanting the mantra “Writing code is not a crime” throughout the proceedings. Indicted alongside co-founders Alexey Pertsev and Roman Semenov—Pertsev convicted earlier in the Netherlands—Storm’s trial centered on Tornado Cash’s role as a privacy tool that allegedly facilitated illicit activities. Despite its design to enhance user anonymity through zero-knowledge proofs, prosecutors argued it operated as an unlicensed service.

Post-verdict, DOJ official Matthew Galeotti addressed a cryptocurrency summit hosted by the American Innovation Project, stating that “merely writing code, without ill intent, is not a crime.” This remark, made about two weeks after the jury’s decision, appeared to align with Storm’s position but contrasted with actions from Jay Clayton, interim US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. On November 12, Clayton filed opposition to Storm’s acquittal motion, signaling the government’s intent to pursue the case further.

Presidential influence over the DOJ, while possible in setting policy directions, traditionally respects prosecutorial independence to avoid political interference. The advocacy letter’s direct request for charge dismissal tests these norms, potentially sparking debates on executive overreach in legal matters. Court records show a conference scheduled for January 22, 2025, to address next steps, including retrial prospects, with no public docket entry for sentencing on the conviction.

The crypto community’s response extends beyond this letter; ongoing discussions in forums and policy circles emphasize the risks to open-source contributions. For instance, blockchain experts have cited statistics from Chainalysis reports showing that while privacy tools like Tornado Cash have been misused, the vast majority of transactions serve legitimate privacy needs, comparable to everyday cash usage. Quotes from DeFi advocates stress that equating code development with money transmission could drive innovation overseas, weakening US competitiveness in Web3 technologies.

In the context of evolving regulations, this case intersects with recent SEC and CFTC efforts to define digital assets, such as distinguishing securities from commodities. Advocacy groups’ push for Trump administration guidance aims to preempt such ambiguities, fostering an ecosystem where developers like Storm can innovate without fear of retroactive prosecution. As the January court date approaches, the outcome could reverberate through the industry, influencing how governments worldwide approach crypto privacy tools.