Roman Storm, co-founder of the Tornado Cash crypto mixer, is urgently seeking to raise $500,000 to cover immediate legal expenses ahead of his criminal trial, which begins on July 14 in New York.
In a post made Saturday on X, Storm revealed he faces a “critical shortfall” and will also need an additional $1 million in the coming weeks to sustain his legal defense.
Facing charges of money laundering and conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions laws, Storm has positioned his defense as a battle not just for his own future, but for the broader principle that code is free speech.
“My team is working nonstop to defend code as free speech, protect software development, and push back against government overreach,” Storm wrote.
Legal Costs Surge to $3.5 Million Amid Complex Trial Proceedings
Storm’s legal ordeal has become significantly more costly than initially projected.
Free Pertsev & Storm, a legal defense initiative set up to support the Tornado Cash founders, had originally estimated that his trial would cost $2 million.
However, Storm announced on Friday that the trial could last up to four weeks, double the expected length, due to “complex legal arguments and unforeseen witnesses and evidence,” raising the total cost to $3.5 million.
His legal team recently filed to delay the trial after the prosecution disclosed a new witness after the court’s deadline.
Despite this, the trial is proceeding as scheduled under Judge Katherine Failla, who has barred any reference to the now-rescinded U.S. Treasury sanctions on Tornado Cash.
Also Read: Ethereum Foundation To Match $2M Tornado Cash Founders’ Fundraising For Legal Defense
Legal and Political Tensions Escalate as DOJ Blocks Defense Strategies
Storm’s defense has faced significant roadblocks, including a recent move by U.S. prosecutors to block his expert witnesses.
The Department of Justice argued these experts would serve as a “Trojan horse” to confuse jurors with complex DeFi and privacy topics.
While the charge of operating an unlicensed money transmission service was dropped in June, the government continues to pursue money laundering allegations.
The case is part of a broader debate over the role of open-source developers in decentralized finance (DeFi).
Advocacy groups like the DeFi Education Fund and the Ethereum Foundation argue that Storm is being unfairly targeted for building privacy-preserving tools, warning of a chilling effect on software innovation.
Community Rallies Behind Storm Amid Broader Crypto Privacy Battle
Storm’s legal fight has attracted substantial support from the crypto and open-source communities.
As of now, approximately $1.96 million, about 57% of the $3.5 million goal, has been raised through public donations, mostly in Ether (ETH).
The Ethereum Foundation pledged $500,000 in direct support and has committed to match community contributions up to $750,000.
MetaCartel DAO also publicly declared it has emptied its entire treasury in support of Storm’s legal defense.
The fluctuating price of ETH, currently trading at $3,030, could affect the total funds raised, adding another layer of uncertainty to Storm’s campaign.
Tornado Cash Sanctions Dropped, but Criminal Case Moves Forward
Although the U.S. federal court dismissed Coin Center’s lawsuit against the Treasury Department following OFAC’s rescinding of Tornado Cash sanctions in March, Storm’s criminal trial remains active and under close scrutiny.
Judge Failla’s ruling that prohibits any mention of those sanctions at trial tightens the scope of Storm’s defense.
Nevertheless, the dismissal of sanctions has fueled criticism of the prosecution’s rationale, with many arguing the case reflects regulatory overreach against developers.
With the trial underway, the outcome is poised to set a major precedent in how the U.S. treats software developers in the decentralized space, especially those involved in privacy technologies.
Also Read: DOJ Drops Part of Tornado Cash Case as Trump-Era Crypto Leniency Grows