According to Cointelegraph, the trial of Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, has sparked debate over a T-shirt he wore at a 2019 crypto event. The shirt, which featured a washing machine graphic and the phrase "I keep my Ether clean with Tornado.cash," was highlighted during opening statements in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Prosecutors and Storm's defense both referenced the shirt, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Mosley suggesting it symbolized Storm's involvement in money laundering activities. Mosley argued that Storm knowingly continued to facilitate illegal transactions through Tornado Cash, despite understanding the implications.
Storm's defense team countered by describing the T-shirt as a "meme, a joke in poor taste," and argued against excluding information about hackers using the mixing service. The defense maintained that the shirt should not be seen as evidence of criminal intent. The trial, which began with jury selection on July 14, is expected to last approximately three weeks. Prosecutors concluded their case after presenting testimonies from witnesses, including representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, as well as individuals involved in hacking incidents.
The defense rested its case on Tuesday, with Storm opting not to testify. His legal team is set to begin closing statements on Wednesday. A spokesperson for the Golem Foundation, which has supported Storm's defense financially, criticized the prosecution's portrayal of Storm and Tornado Cash, likening it to blaming developers of banking apps for online financial scams. The outcome of the trial, including whether the jury or Judge Katherine Failla will view the T-shirt as a mere joke or as evidence of illicit activities, remains uncertain as the proceedings continue.
