Ethereum Developer Increases Support for Tornado Cash Co-Founder
Federico Carrone, a core developer for Ethereum, has pledged $500,000 to the legal defense fund of Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash. Storm faces a possible retrial on charges related to the cryptocurrency mixing service.
Developer Cites Personal Experience
Carrone announced the increased donation on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday. He cited his own recent experience in Turkey, where he was reportedly detained for about 24 hours due to alleged links to an Ethereum privacy protocol. Carrone stated that this incident motivated him to boost his donation from $50,000 to $500,000. "After what happened to me, I need to take a clear position," he wrote.
He also noted that the Ethereum Foundation would match donations up to $500,000, potentially doubling the total support for Storm�s defense. "Our team is currently moving money to execute the transaction," Carrone added.
Background on the Case
Roman Storm, one of three co-founders of Tornado Cash, was indicted in 2023 in New York on several charges, including money laundering, conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, and conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions. The legal action against him is considered significant within both the crypto and privacy technology sectors.
In August, a jury found Storm guilty of operating an unlicensed money transmitter but deadlocked on the other two charges. This outcome has left the possibility of a retrial open. As of Tuesday, sentencing for the single felony count had not been scheduled, but Storm could face up to five years in prison.
Community Support and Legal Fund
The fund supporting Storm�s legal defense had already attracted contributions from the Ethereum Foundation, the Golem Foundation, and other community members before Carrone�s pledge. Storm has set a $7 million target for the fund, anticipating a legal process that could extend through December or longer.
- August 2023: Jury finds Storm guilty of one count, deadlocks on others.
- June 2024: Carrone increases his pledge; Ethereum Foundation to match donations.
- Legal process ongoing; retrial remains possible pending procedural developments.
As of Monday, a federal judge had approved procedural deadlines for both sides that could influence plans for a potential retrial. Storm and his supporters continue to argue that developing open-source code should not constitute a criminal act.
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