The developer of Tornado Cash Roman Storm has asked for another $1.5 million to help pay his legal expenses.
On July 26, he posted on X asking for urgent help. “It sounds crazy, but I need again $1.5mm”, he wrote. In another post, he explained that his lawyers have not had proper rest and that every hour of work adds to the total bill.
To date, the crypto community has donated more than $3.9 million to support his legal fight. His website shows that over $3.2 million of that has gone directly to his Legal Defense Fund, about 65% of a new $5 million goal.
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Foundation has also reached its separate $750,000 goal to support its defense.
US prosecutors claimed Storm helped businesses move illegal funds, broke sanctions rules, and ran an unregistered money-transmitting business through Tornado Cash.
Storm’s legal team said Tornado Cash is a decentralized tool that no one could control after its launch. They have pointed to a 2019 notice from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), which stated that developers of privacy software are not required to register as money transmitters.
They are also arguing that writing and sharing computer code is a form of free speech, which is protected under the First Amendment in the United States.
The trial is expected to wrap up around August 11, according to Storm’s website.
Recently, Storm’s legal team told a judge that they may request to cancel the trial due to a witness they believe has no connection to the case. Why? Read the full story.
Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.
