The Solana Policy Institute’s $500,000 donation to Tornado Cash developers Roman Storm and Alexey Pertsev represents a significant stand against the criminalization of software development. Both developers face prison sentences—Storm convicted of operating an illegal money transmitting business in the U.S., and Pertsev found guilty of money laundering in the Netherlands. The institute argues these prosecutions set a dangerous precedent that could chill innovation by holding developers liable for how others misuse their tools. This comes amid a potential policy shift from the Trump DOJ, which recently indicated it may stop pursuing similar charges against developers of ‘truly decentralized’ software. The donation also counters criticism that Solana supporters wouldn’t support Ethereum-based developers, showing industry unity on fundamental principles.
about Solana Donates $500K to Tornado Cash Developers' DefenseAlexey Pertsev
0 posts last weekTornado Cash Co-founder Accuses Prosecutors of Misleading Evidence
Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, has accused U.S. prosecutors of misleading a grand jury by presenting improperly attributed Telegram messages. The defense argues that key metadata, which identifies forwarded messages, was omitted in earlier evidence submissions, potentially tainting the case. Prosecutors admitted to sharing incomplete chat logs initially but maintain the evidence’s authenticity. Legal experts highlight authentication and hearsay concerns under federal rules, citing the ‘Brady rule,’ which mandates prosecutors correct material misrepresentations. The dispute arises as Storm faces charges of conspiracy to launder money and operating an unlicensed money transmitter. The defense’s late discovery of these errors may strengthen their argument, depending on prosecutorial intent and evidence reliability.
about Tornado Cash Co-founder Accuses Prosecutors of Misleading EvidenceTornado Cash Co-Founder May Delay Trial Over Witness Dispute
Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, faces potential trial delays as his defense team contests the inclusion of testimony from an alleged hacker who used the Ethereum-based mixer. Prosecutors disclosed the witness after the deadline, prompting Storm’s lawyers to argue it could mislead jurors into associating him with the hack. The trial, set for July 14, charges Storm with money laundering and sanctions violations, with the crypto community rallying behind him. Another co-founder, Alexey Pertsev, was already sentenced in the Netherlands, while a third, Roman Semenov, remains at large. The case highlights the legal risks for DeFi developers and could influence future regulatory actions.
about Tornado Cash Co-Founder May Delay Trial Over Witness DisputeEthereum Foundation Backs Tornado Cash Devs in Legal Battle
The Ethereum Foundation has donated $500,000 to Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm’s legal defense, with plans to match an additional $750,000 from public contributors. This brings total community support for Storm to roughly $3 million as he faces charges of conspiring to launder over $1 billion in crypto. Separately, advocacy groups Coin Center and the DeFi Education Fund filed an amicus brief supporting Alexey Pertsev’s appeal in the Netherlands, arguing that holding developers liable for immutable smart contract code would stifle open-source innovation. Pertsev, sentenced to 64 months for money laundering, remains under electronic monitoring while his appeal proceeds. The OFAC recently delisted Tornado Cash smart contract addresses after a court ruled immutable code cannot be sanctioned, though criminal cases against the developers continue.
about Ethereum Foundation Backs Tornado Cash Devs in Legal BattleTornado Cash Founder Warns: ‘If I Lose, DeFi Dies With Me’
Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, has publicly criticized the DOJ’s prosecution, claiming it threatens the very existence of decentralized finance. Charged in 2023 with money laundering and sanctions evasion related to the privacy-focused crypto mixer, Storm argues that holding developers accountable for how their software is used could cripple innovation. Despite initial hopes for a pardon under the Trump administration, the DOJ has continued its case, dropping only minor charges. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for DeFi’s legal landscape and the principle of developer immunity.
about Tornado Cash Founder Warns: 'If I Lose, DeFi Dies With Me'DOJ Proceeds with Charges Against Tornado Cash Developer
The DOJ has reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm on charges of money laundering and sanctions evasion, despite an internal memo hinting at a policy shift toward targeting individuals rather than platforms. Prosecutors dropped one charge related to operating an unlicensed money transmitter, acknowledging FinCEN’s 2019 guidance that non-custodial entities like Tornado Cash do not qualify. The case underscores tensions between law enforcement and DeFi developers, with industry leaders like Vitalik Buterin supporting Storm. A federal appeals court recently overturned Tornado Cash’s sanctions, but Storm’s trial proceeds, set to begin in Manhattan within two months. His co-developer, Alexey Pertsev, was previously sentenced in the Netherlands but released pending appeal.
about DOJ Proceeds with Charges Against Tornado Cash DeveloperDOJ Advances Charges Against Tornado Cash Co-Founder
The DOJ confirmed it will prosecute Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm for conspiracy to commit money laundering, sanctions evasion, and operating an unlicensed money transmitter. While dropping one charge related to unlicensed transmission, prosecutors argue Storm facilitated illicit financial activity. The case follows a 2023 court rejection of Storm’s free speech defense and contrasts with recent DOJ guidance easing enforcement against mixers. Tornado Cash, an Ethereum-based privacy tool, was delisted from U.S. sanctions in March after a court ruled OFAC overstepped by targeting immutable smart contracts. The trial underscores tensions between crypto privacy tools and regulatory crackdowns on financial crime.
about DOJ Advances Charges Against Tornado Cash Co-FounderTornado Cash Developer Released from Prison Amid Ongoing Legal Battles
Tornado Cash developer Alexey Pertsev was released from prison custody on February 7, 2025, and will remain under house arrest while preparing his legal appeal. He was found guilty of money laundering in May 2024, despite having no control over the funds processed by the Tornado Cash protocol. The case has raised concerns among privacy advocates and has implications for the regulation of privacy-preserving technologies.
about Tornado Cash Developer Released from Prison Amid Ongoing Legal BattlesTornado Cash Developer Released as TORN Price Sees Significant Surge
Tornado Cash’s governance token, TORN, surged 13% to $12.81 following the temporary release of developer Alexey Pertsev from Dutch jail after nine months. Pertsev, under house arrest and facing a 64-month sentence, expressed gratitude for support and donations that funded his legal battle. Despite a recent decline, TORN has seen a 32% increase over the past month and a staggering 617% rise year-over-year, although it remains 97.08% below its all-time high of $436.16.
about Tornado Cash Developer Released as TORN Price Sees Significant SurgeEthereum Community Seeks Trump’s Help for Developers Facing Legal Challenges
The Ethereum community is rallying for the release of developer Virgil Griffith and Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm, following President Trump’s pardon of Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht. Vitalik Buterin emphasized the need for support, stating, “No man left behind,” as concerns grow over the implications of prosecuting software development. Storm, facing charges related to money laundering, has labeled his prosecution a threat to privacy and free speech, while calls for clemency highlight the ongoing debate about the treatment of crypto developers.
about Ethereum Community Seeks Trump’s Help for Developers Facing Legal ChallengesTornado Cash Developer Calls Prosecution a Threat to Privacy and Innovation
Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, described his prosecution as a “terrifying criminalization of privacy,” facing charges including operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business and money laundering. His case has prompted concerns about the implications for software development, leading another developer to sue the DOJ over similar fears. Following a favorable ruling from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which criticized the Treasury’s sanctions against Tornado Cash, Storm is seeking to have the criminal charges dismissed.
about Tornado Cash Developer Calls Prosecution a Threat to Privacy and InnovationCourt Rules Against Treasury Sanctions on Tornado Cash’s Smart Contracts
A Texas federal court ruled that the U.S. Treasury overstepped its authority by sanctioning Tornado Cash, stating that its immutable smart contracts cannot be classified as “property” under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This decision follows a similar ruling from the Fifth Circuit and limits the government’s ability to regulate open-source blockchain protocols. Tornado Cash’s native token, TORN, surged over 200% following the ruling, highlighting the ongoing legal battles surrounding the platform amid allegations of facilitating money laundering.
about Court Rules Against Treasury Sanctions on Tornado Cash's Smart Contracts