Ethereum Foundation donates $500,000 to legal defense of Tornado Cash co-founder
The Ethereum Foundation (EF) announced it will donate $500,000 to legal defense of Tornado Cash co-founder and developer Rome Storm. Storm faces three charges in an upcoming trial related to operating an encrypted mixer in the United States.
“Privacy is normal, writing code is not a crime” – EF
In an article on X platform on June 13, the Ethereum Foundation revealed that it will donate $500,000 to Storm’s defense in the upcoming court trial. In addition to significant contributions, the foundation intends to contribute an additional $750,000 from the cryptocurrency community.
The Ethereum Foundation’s announcement comes about a month before the trial, accusations of storm war, including conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed currency delivery business. If found guilty of all these charges, the Crypto Mixer co-founder faces up to 45 years in prison.
Although Storm’s legal defense team tried to dismiss the charges in court, his trial was scheduled to begin in New York on Monday, July 14. For his defense, the Tornado cash developer hopes to raise about $2 million.
The Ethereum Foundation wrote on X:
Privacy is normal, writing code is not a crime.
Since Storm was arrested in 2023, the statement touched on the main topics of the crypto community (privacy issues) and other similar cases (in 2024, Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov was arrested). Despite allegations that U.S. attorneys announced their intention to waive the allegations of operating an unlicensed currency transfer business, Storm has maintained his innocence throughout the legal battle.
Tornado Cash Co-founder speaks on social media
Earlier on Friday, Storm brought to social media platform X, calling for support from the crypto community, saying the U.S. judicial system is “trying to suppress” him.
Crypto co-founder said:
If I lose, Defi and I die. The dream of financial freedom, the code I believe in – everything gradually turns into darkness. I’m fighting, but the weight is unbearable. It’s not just my ending;
Storm also posted a complimentary message to the Ethereum Foundation for donating $500,000 to his legal defense. The co-founder concluded: “Your support means the world to me, especially sticking to privacy and code rights. I am so grateful to everyone who loves – your generosity is really inspiring! Thank you in my heart.”
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