Ethereum Foundation Pledges to Match $500K for Roman Storm’s Legal Defense

Key Points

1. The Ethereum Foundation announced a matching pledge of up to $500,000 for Roman Storm's legal defense, emphasizing that 'privacy is normal, and writing code is not a crime.'

2. Roman Storm was found guilty of charges related to money laundering and tax evasion, facing up to 5 years in prison, with a retrial possible for Counts 1 & 3.

3. Tornado Cash, the privacy tool Storm helped develop, was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in 2022 for allegedly laundering $7 billion, including funds tied to North Korea's Lazarus Group.

4. Legal experts and industry figures, including lawyer Jake Chervinsky, criticized the verdict, arguing that non-custodial protocol developers should not be held liable under Section 1960.

5. Storm previously requested an additional $1.5 million for legal costs, citing high expenses during his three-week trial, while the founders of Samourai Wallet also face similar charges and potential prison time.