Ethereum Foundation Matches Donations for Tornado Cash Co-Founder's Legal Defense

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has publicly expressed his support for Roman Storm, a co-founder of Tornado Cash, as the Ethereum Foundation steps in to assist with his legal defense. Buterin confirmed through a post on X that the Foundation is matching community donations to help cover Storm’s legal fees, demonstrating a strong commitment to privacy and innovation within the crypto sphere.

This support comes as Storm faces serious charges in the U.S., including money laundering and sanctions violations linked to Tornado Cash. The crypto privacy protocol was sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2022 for allegedly aiding North Korea in laundering funds stolen from the Axie Infinity hack. Storm’s legal battle has become a significant point of contention, with many in the crypto community viewing it as an assault on open-source development and financial privacy.

With only 19 days remaining for supporters to contribute to Storm’s legal defense, the Ethereum Foundation’s matching of donations could significantly bolster his ability to secure a top-tier legal team as the case progresses to court. For many within the Ethereum and DeFi communities, this case is more than just about one developer; it is about safeguarding the right to create open, privacy-focused tools without the threat of legal repercussions.

In a notable turn of events, the U.S. Treasury lifted sanctions on Tornado Cash in March 2025. This decision has been hailed across the DeFi space as a victory for decentralized finance and a potential shift in regulatory approach. This reversal could bolster Storm’s legal position, and the Ethereum Foundation’s support arrives at a critical juncture. With public opinion potentially shifting and the legal landscape possibly changing, Buterin’s efforts are helping to maintain momentum in Storm’s favor.

The Ethereum Foundation’s backing of Roman Storm underscores a broader mission: to protect decentralization, open-source code, and the freedom to innovate. With Buterin at the helm and the community rallying behind Storm, the outcome of this case could establish a significant precedent for crypto developers globally. As donations continue to pour in and the legal battle intensifies, it is clear that the crypto world is closely monitoring the situation, and the resolution could significantly influence the future of blockchain innovation.