The U.S. government’s case against Roman Storm, co-developer of Tornado Cash, has taken a controversial turn — prompting concerns from the global crypto and tech communities over whether open-source developers can be held criminally liable for how others use their code.
Government Closes Arguments After 8 Days of Testimony
On Thursday, federal prosecutors officially rested their case in the Manhattan trial of Roman Storm. Over the course of eight trial days, they argued that Storm knowingly enabled money laundering and sanctions evasion by continuing to support the Tornado Cash protocol, despite being aware of its use by criminal organizations, including North Korean hackers.
They alleged Storm and his partners profited from the sale of TORN tokens while allowing illicit funds to flow through the platform.
Storm’s Defense: Tornado Cash Was a Privacy Tool
Storm’s attorneys opened their defense by calling Ethereum core developer Preston Van Loon, who described Tornado Cash as a legitimate privacy solution for Ethereum users. Van Loon testified he personally used the tool for operational security and to protect himself from hackers — comparing it to tools like VPNs or encrypted messaging apps.
“Like a hammer, it can be used for both good and bad,” the defense argued, rejecting claims of intent to aid criminal activity.
The defense asserts that Storm had no direct control over how bad actors used Tornado Cash and cannot be held liable for users’ actions. At most, they argue, he was negligent — not a criminal conspirator.
Controversy Over Blockchain Tracing Evidence
The trial saw a twist when blockchain analysts challenged the accuracy of key prosecution evidence. A victim who testified that their funds were laundered through Tornado Cash was later shown to have been misidentified, according to independent sleuths including @tayvano_x and ZachXBT.
This potential error in blockchain tracing weakened the government’s case and triggered a motion for mistrial, though the judge declined.
What’s at Stake: The Future of Open-Source Development
Storm faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted on charges of conspiracy to launder money, evade sanctions, and violate international laws.
The outcome could set a precedent — determining whether developers can be jailed for writing code later misused by others.
As the defense continues presenting witnesses, the crypto world watches closely, fearing a chilling effect on innovation, privacy tools, and open-source contributions.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.