The Ethereum Foundation has pledged up to $1 million to support Roman Storm’s legal defense, emphasizing the importance of privacy in cryptocurrency development.
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The Ethereum Foundation is matching donations to Roman Storm’s legal defense, totaling $1 million.
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Storm was found guilty of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.
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Storm’s case highlights ongoing legal challenges faced by developers in the crypto space.
The Ethereum Foundation’s support for Roman Storm underscores the critical role of privacy in cryptocurrency, as legal battles continue to unfold.
Tornado Cash and Its Legal Woes
Tornado Cash is a decentralized privacy protocol built on Ethereum, designed to allow users to make private transactions without relying on a central authority. Launched in 2019, it operates entirely on open-source code, with no admin controls or intermediaries.
However, in 2022, U.S. authorities accused Tornado Cash of facilitating illegal transactions and money laundering, leading to a lengthy legal battle.
Roman Storm’s Trial Ends with Partial Conviction
Recently, Roman Storm was found guilty by a Manhattan jury of operating an unlicensed money transmitter. This ruling, while significant, was a partial victory as the jury did not convict him on more severe charges of money laundering.
Storm remains out on bond as he prepares to appeal, while the DOJ has indicated the possibility of retrying him on unresolved counts.
Key Takeaways
- Ethereum Foundation’s Support: The foundation has pledged up to $1 million for Storm’s legal defense.
- Legal Challenges: Storm’s case highlights the risks developers face in the evolving crypto landscape.
- Community Response: The crypto community is rallying to support privacy-focused developers amid legal scrutiny.
Conclusion
The Ethereum Foundation’s backing of Roman Storm illustrates the ongoing struggle for privacy in cryptocurrency development. As legal challenges persist, the community’s support for developers remains crucial in advocating for digital privacy rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What support is the Ethereum Foundation providing to Roman Storm?
The Ethereum Foundation is matching donations up to $1 million for Roman Storm’s legal defense, emphasizing the importance of privacy in crypto development.
Why was Roman Storm found guilty?
Roman Storm was found guilty of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, but the jury did not convict him on more severe charges.
The @ethereumfndn will be matching up to another $500K in donations to the legal defense of Roman Storm.
Privacy is normal, and writing code is not a crime.
The community can contribute to @rstormsf’s legal defense here: https://t.co/mhbmUI2iq5
— hww.eth | Hsiao-Wei Wang (@hwwonx) August 7, 2025
