Prosecutors link Roman Storm to DPRK hackers in trial opening statements

Key Points

1. US prosecutors linked Roman Storm to the Lazarus Group, which allegedly used Tornado Cash to launder $600 million from a 2022 Ronin Bridge hack.

2. Storm's defense team argued he had no direct involvement with hackers and that Tornado Cash, like other tools, has legitimate uses despite potential misuse.

3. The trial, held in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, could have significant repercussions for the crypto industry.

4. Prosecutors objected twice during opening statements, emphasizing Storm's alleged role in violating US sanctions through money laundering.

5. Storm's legal team countered that the government's case lacks evidence of a criminal agreement or intent.