Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, is considering a mistrial motion after his defense challenged the relevance of a government witness’s testimony. The witness, Hanfeng Lin, allegedly had no connection to the crypto mixer, raising doubts about the trial’s fairness. If granted, the mistrial could invalidate the proceedings due to judicial error, potentially leading to a dismissal or retrial. The case highlights ongoing legal scrutiny surrounding crypto privacy tools like Tornado Cash.
about Tornado Cash Co-Creator Seeks Mistrial Over Witness TestimonyKatherine Polk Failla
0 posts last weekTornado Cash Developer May Seek Mistrial Over Prosecution Gaps
Roman Storm, co-founder of Ethereum-based privacy tool Tornado Cash, may seek a mistrial after his lawyers argued the prosecution failed to prove the protocol’s involvement in cybercrimes. Key witness Hanfeng Lin testified about losing $250K in a pig-butchering scam, with recovery service Payback claiming some funds passed through Tornado Cash – a claim disputed by Storm’s team and verified by blockchain analysts like MetaMask’s Taylor Monahan. The case has drawn attention as it may clarify developer liability for financial privacy tools, with Storm facing 45 years if convicted on charges including money laundering conspiracy and sanctions violations. Judge Failla noted unusual communication gaps in the proceedings while prosecutors promised forthcoming evidence from an IRS expert.
about Tornado Cash Developer May Seek Mistrial Over Prosecution GapsJudge Blocks Key Crypto Ruling in Tornado Cash Trial
Judge Katherine Polk Failla ruled that the Van Loon v. Treasury decision, which found immutable smart contracts are not property, cannot be mentioned in Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm’s upcoming trial. Storm faces charges of money laundering, sanctions evasion, and operating an unlicensed money transmitter. The judge deemed the Van Loon case irrelevant and potentially confusing for jurors, despite its significance in limiting OFAC’s authority. The trial, beginning July 14, will test whether developers can be held criminally liable for how their code is used. Prosecutors argue Storm’s post-sanctions actions, including a $12 million token sale, demonstrate intent. If convicted, Storm could face up to 45 years in prison.
about Judge Blocks Key Crypto Ruling in Tornado Cash TrialTornado Cash Case: Defense Cites FinCEN Docs in Dismissal Bid
Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm’s defense has filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that prosecutors withheld critical FinCEN documents from 2023. These documents reportedly clarify that non-custodial crypto mixers, like Tornado Cash, do not meet the legal definition of a ‘money transmitting business.’ Storm’s attorneys allege that despite knowing this, prosecutors pursued charges against both Tornado Cash and Samourai Wallet developers. The motion highlights potential misconduct in withholding exculpatory evidence, which could significantly impact the case’s outcome.
about Tornado Cash Case: Defense Cites FinCEN Docs in Dismissal BidUS Drops Some Charges Against Tornado Cash Founder
The US government has partially reduced its charges against Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm after a Justice Department memo signaled a pullback in crypto-related prosecutions. While most charges remain, prosecutors dropped one count related to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Acting US Attorney Jay Clayton confirmed the case aligns with the DOJ’s April 2025 enforcement memo, signaling a shift in regulatory priorities while maintaining legal pressure on key crypto figures.
about US Drops Some Charges Against Tornado Cash FounderDOJ 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-FounderOregon Sues Coinbase Over 31 Unregistered Securities
Oregon’s attorney general, Dan Rayfield, has filed a 171-page lawsuit against Coinbase, accusing the exchange of facilitating the sale of 31 unregistered securities, including tokens like AAVE, ADA, and XRP. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and penalties of $20,000 per violation, alleging that Coinbase misled investors with risky, unchecked offerings. Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, responded by dismissing the lawsuit as politically motivated, citing omitted court rulings and private law firms’ involvement. He emphasized that the ‘war against crypto’ is over, referencing recent SEC case dismissals. Coinbase has also filed a FOIA request for transparency on past enforcement actions.
about Oregon Sues Coinbase Over 31 Unregistered SecuritiesCourt 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