Tornado Cash Developer Roman Storm Convicted in Federal Case

A jury is struggling to decide whether Tornado Cash, a cryptocurrency service that prioritized user privacy, was intentionally aiding money laundering—especially since it was used by North Korean hackers. The case highlights the tension between privacy advocates and regulators who see such tools as enablers of crime.

Editor’s Note: This case could set a major precedent for how privacy-focused crypto tools are treated under the law. If Tornado Cash is found liable, it might push other similar services to adopt stricter oversight—or shut down entirely. On the flip side, a not-guilty verdict could embolden privacy advocates but worry law enforcement. Either way, it’s a big moment for crypto’s future.

A federal jury has convicted crypto developer Roman Storm for running an unlicensed cryptocurrency business, though he was acquitted of sanctions violations, and the jury couldn't reach a verdict on a money laundering charge.