Ethereum Foundation Pledges $500K Matching Fund for Roman Storm’s Appeal
- Ethereum Foundation will match community donations up to $500K to fund Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm’s legal appeal.
- Supporters warn the case could set a precedent affecting developer rights and the legality of open-source code globally.
- Storm’s legal team faces mounting expenses from expert witnesses, research, and ongoing filings after a lengthy New York trial.
The Ethereum Foundation has stepped in to support Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm, pledging to match community donations up to $500,000. Storm was recently convicted of operating an unlicensed money transmitter, while two conspiracy charges remain unresolved — leaving the door open for a longer sentence if prosecutors retry the counts. His legal team is bracing for a drawn-out appeal process, facing steep costs from expert witness fees, ongoing research, and complex legal filings.
Privacy, Precedent, and Developer Rights
Co-executive director Wei Wang underscored the foundation’s stance on X, stating, “Privacy is normal, and writing code is not a crime.” Supporters, including the Free Pertsev & Storm group, argue the verdict could set a dangerous precedent for developers worldwide. They maintain Tornado Cash operated autonomously and lacked the ability to block transactions, countering claims that the protocol knowingly facilitated illicit activity. The Ethereum Foundation has previously contributed $750,000 to the case, part of it through earlier matching campaigns.
Fundraising in a High-Stakes Legal Battle
Storm’s defence has relied heavily on community support. During his July 2025 trial, he sought $1.5 million to cover legal expenses, followed by a $500,000 request ahead of the court date to fill a “critical shortfall.” His trial in New York stretched over three weeks, consuming much of the funds already raised. With the new pledge, the Ethereum Foundation is doubling down on its support, aiming to ease the financial strain as Storm prepares for an appeal that could influence the future of open-source development.
The post Ethereum Foundation Pledges $500K Matching Fund for Roman Storm’s Appeal first appeared on BlockNews.
Ethereum Foundation Pledges $500K Matching Fund for Roman Storm’s Appeal
- Ethereum Foundation will match community donations up to $500K to fund Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm’s legal appeal.
- Supporters warn the case could set a precedent affecting developer rights and the legality of open-source code globally.
- Storm’s legal team faces mounting expenses from expert witnesses, research, and ongoing filings after a lengthy New York trial.
The Ethereum Foundation has stepped in to support Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm, pledging to match community donations up to $500,000. Storm was recently convicted of operating an unlicensed money transmitter, while two conspiracy charges remain unresolved — leaving the door open for a longer sentence if prosecutors retry the counts. His legal team is bracing for a drawn-out appeal process, facing steep costs from expert witness fees, ongoing research, and complex legal filings.
Privacy, Precedent, and Developer Rights
Co-executive director Wei Wang underscored the foundation’s stance on X, stating, “Privacy is normal, and writing code is not a crime.” Supporters, including the Free Pertsev & Storm group, argue the verdict could set a dangerous precedent for developers worldwide. They maintain Tornado Cash operated autonomously and lacked the ability to block transactions, countering claims that the protocol knowingly facilitated illicit activity. The Ethereum Foundation has previously contributed $750,000 to the case, part of it through earlier matching campaigns.
Fundraising in a High-Stakes Legal Battle
Storm’s defence has relied heavily on community support. During his July 2025 trial, he sought $1.5 million to cover legal expenses, followed by a $500,000 request ahead of the court date to fill a “critical shortfall.” His trial in New York stretched over three weeks, consuming much of the funds already raised. With the new pledge, the Ethereum Foundation is doubling down on its support, aiming to ease the financial strain as Storm prepares for an appeal that could influence the future of open-source development.
The post Ethereum Foundation Pledges $500K Matching Fund for Roman Storm’s Appeal first appeared on BlockNews.