Crypto Advocacy Groups Back Tornado Cash Developer in Legal Fight – Latest Update

Crypto Advocacy Groups Support Tornado Cash Developer in Legal Battle

Crypto advocacy groups have rallied behind Roman Storm, the developer of Tornado Cash, in his ongoing legal dispute. Storm, who faces charges related to his involvement with the Ethereum privacy protocol, recently filed a motion to dismiss the allegations against him.

Support from Pro-Crypto Organizations

Three prominent pro-crypto organizations, including Coin Center, the Blockchain Association, and the DeFi Education Fund, have submitted amicus briefs in solidarity with Storm. Despite being separate filings, all briefs challenge the government’s indictment.

Government Allegations

The government accuses Storm of operating as an unregistered money transmitter by facilitating fund transfers without registering Tornado Cash with FinCEN. However, the Blockchain Association’s brief contests this interpretation, arguing that Tornado Cash does not meet the criteria for a money transmitter.

Arguments Against Charges

Coin Center’s brief disputes the conspiracy charge under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, asserting that Storm’s actions were unrelated to any alleged violations. The DeFi Education Fund’s brief raises concerns about the implications of holding developers liable for third-party misuse of their software.

As the legal battle continues, government prosecutors have yet to respond to Storm’s motion to dismiss the charges.