Ethereum core developer Federico Carrone stated that he will donate $500,000 to the legal fund of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm. Recently detained in Turkey, this prompted him to increase his donation to Storm from $50,000 to $500,000.
Carrone stated on social media: "After this experience, I need to take a stand. As far as I understand, the Ethereum Foundation will match donations, up to $500,000, which means our contribution can have double the impact."
Storm is one of the three co-founders and developers of Tornado Cash, who was indicted in 2023 on charges of money laundering, operating an unlicensed money transmission business, and violating U.S. sanctions. As of Tuesday, he has raised about $5.4 million for his legal defense fund, including donations from the Ethereum Foundation and Golem Foundation.
Even though writing code is not a crime, Storm and his supporters have consistently maintained this position. However, a New York jury found him guilty on August 6 of operating an unlicensed money transmission business, while the other two charges did not reach a consensus and may be retried.
Roman Storm continued fundraising after the verdict.
The co-founder of Tornado Cash has set a fundraising goal of $7 million to support his criminal case defense, which may last until December or even longer. On Monday, a judge approved a joint request from Storm's lawyer and the U.S. prosecutor to postpone procedural deadlines, which could affect potential retrial. As of Tuesday, his sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled, and he may face five years in prison.
