The Breakdown Hung Jury Delivers Mixed Verdict in Roman Storm Tornado Cash Trial
Aug 8, 2025
A New York jury's mixed verdict in the Tornado Cash trial reveals the complexities of cryptocurrency regulation. Roman Storm was found guilty of running an unlicensed business, while money laundering charges remain unresolved. The trial showcased chaotic courtroom dynamics and controversial judicial decisions, highlighting a murky legal landscape for DeFi. The verdict raises significant concerns about legal precedents that could impact future crypto development, emphasizing the urgent need for clearer regulatory definitions.
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Guilt By Association Strategy
- The prosecution paraded victims and convicted fraudsters to show Tornado Cash's illicit use was widespread.
- Nathaniel Whittemore highlights that many witness links to Tornado Cash were tenuous or unproven.
Judge Excluded Non-Custodial Evidence
- The judge barred evidence that Tornado Cash was non-custodial and still operating without founders.
- Nathaniel Whittemore notes the ruling prevented the jury from hearing FinCEN guidance and decentralization defenses.
Defense Emphasized Dual-Use And Intent
- The defense argued Tornado Cash was dual-use tech and mere knowledge of misuse does not equal intent to facilitate crime.
- Nathaniel Whittemore stresses that proving Storm's intent to further crime was central and contested.