Ethereum Surprises: $500K Boost for Tornado Cash Founder’s Legal Battle!

Ethereum Foundation Supports Roman Storm with $500,000 for legal Defense

Roman Storm, the co-founder of Tornado Cash, continues to receive backing from the crypto community. The Ethereum Foundation has pledged $500,000 to help Storm in his upcoming trial. This financial aid comes as Storm prepares for his July 14 court date in New York.He faces serious charges, including money laundering and violating U.S. sanctions.

The foundation believes that “privacy is normal,and writing code is not a crime.” They will also match community donations up to $750,000. Storm faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted. He thanked the foundation, calling their donation a notable act of solidarity.

Storm’s trial stems from allegations of operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business.the Ethereum Foundation’s donation aims to support his legal defense. Storm expressed gratitude,saying,”Your support means the world to me.” The foundation’s stance is clear: privacy is a right, not a crime.

Storm’s case is part of a broader legal battle involving Tornado Cash.His co-founder, Alexey Pertsev, was sentenced to 64 months in prison in May 2024. Pertsev was recently released but is under house arrest. The foundation’s donation highlights the ongoing debate over privacy in the crypto space.

Earlier, the community raised $1 million for Pertsev’s legal fees. vitalik Buterin and paradigm CEO Matt Huang also contributed to the ‘Free Pertsev & Storm’ campaign. The platform is accused of facilitating transactions for sanctioned entities. The third co-founder, Roman Semenov, is still at large.

Storm’s legal team will use the funds to fight the charges. The case has sparked discussions on privacy and coding rights. The foundation’s stance underscores the industry’s commitment to these principles.

• Storm faces charges of money laundering and unlicensed money transmission.
• The foundation’s donation shows the industry’s stance on privacy rights.
• Storm’s trial is a pivotal moment for crypto regulations and privacy rights.

Storm’s case is a test for crypto regulations.

Storm’s supporters argue that coding should not be criminalized.