Roman Storm, a co-founder of Tornado Cash, may delay his trial if a recently announced witness is permitted to testify. The defense argues that the witness, a hacker who allegedly misused the Tornado Cash protocol, poses a risk to the fairness of the trial due to late notice.
Late Notice, Big Problem
The controversy emerged when prosecutors revealed plans to introduce this witness after the court’s established deadline. The defense claims this could lead to a biased jury as the testimony may associate Storm with illicit activities.
🚨 Tornado Cash co-founder requests delay in trial over witness testimony. Major developments in the crypto world today—staying tuned for updates. #CryptoNews #TornadoCash #LegalNews
— ceanmedia (@cryptoceannews) July 11, 2025
The defense feels unprepared for an adequate rebuttal, raising the possibility of requesting a trial delay if the hacker is allowed to testify.
The Bigger Stakes
Storm faces multiple charges, including operation of an unlicensed money-transmitting business and money laundering, with connections to illicit use by hackers related to North Korea. While he maintains that Tornado Cash is merely a tool, prosecutors assert he facilitated illegal activities.
This trial is pivotal in the cryptocurrency domain, with implications for developers and advocates for privacy tools. If Storm is held responsible for actions taken using his code, this sets a dangerous precedent, sparking significant concern within the community.
Witnesses, Sanctions, and Strategy
Disputes continue regarding the relevance of the hacker’s testimony versus its potential to prejudice the jury. The defense is also contesting the use of overturned sanctions against Tornado Cash, which could mislead jurors.
Storm’s legal advisors are advocating for blockchain experts to clarify his involvement and the protocol’s function, as their absence could present an incomplete narrative to the jury.
What Comes Next
The judge is anticipated to rule on both the witness and sanction evidence soon. If the hacker is permitted to testify, a brief delay may be requested. Conversely, if not, jury selection will proceed as scheduled, marking the trial as a significant examination of the intersection between code and legality in the evolving world of cryptocurrencies.
