In a remarkable turn of events, an Ethereum developer has pledged a substantial donation to aid the legal defense of Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash. Facing potential retrial, Storm’s defense fund sees a significant boost with this latest contribution.
On Monday, Federico Carrone, an Ethereum core developer, announced his decision to increase his donation from $50,000 to a striking $500,000. This decision came after Carrone’s own experience of being detained by Turkish authorities for alleged connections to an Ethereum privacy protocol. Carrone’s experience has motivated him to take a firm stand and support Storm’s cause.
Why the Ethereum Developer Supports Roman Storm
Carrone explained, “After what happened to me, I need to take a clear position.” His donation is further amplified by the Ethereum Foundation, which plans to match contributions up to an additional $500,000. This combined effort could significantly enhance the impact of Carrone’s generous contribution.
Storm was indicted in 2023 on serious charges, including money laundering and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitter, as well as violating US sanctions. Despite the legal challenges, Storm and his supporters maintain that writing code should not be criminalized.
The Path to Roman Storm’s Defense
Roman Storm is striving to raise $7 million for his defense, with the funds potentially extending through December or longer. His legal team is working tirelessly, and a federal judge has agreed to delay procedural deadlines, which could influence the potential retrial.
As of Tuesday, Storm has accumulated approximately $5.4 million, thanks to contributions from notable entities like the Ethereum Foundation and the Golem Foundation. This legal battle underscores the ongoing debate about the criminalization of code and the responsibilities of developers in the crypto space.
Potential Outcomes and Future Implications
The verdict from a New York jury found Storm guilty of one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitter. However, the jury was deadlocked on other charges, leaving the door open for a retrial. If convicted, Storm could face up to five years in prison.
Carrone’s donation marks a crucial moment in the crypto community’s response to legal challenges faced by developers. With his experience in Turkey fresh in mind, Carrone’s actions demonstrate the solidarity among Ethereum developers and their commitment to supporting one another in times of need.
As the crypto world watches closely, the outcome of Roman Storm’s case could set a precedent for how developers are treated under the law, potentially influencing future cases and policies related to cryptocurrency technology.
