Roman Storm Defense to File Post-Trial Motions by Sept. 30 Retrial Scope in Question

The defense team for Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, is preparing to submit post-trial motions by September 30, 2025, as part of ongoing legal proceedings [1]. These motions will likely seek to challenge the jury’s conviction or request a new trial, depending on the legal arguments the defense plans to present. If filed, the opposition to these motions must be submitted by October 31, with replies to the opposition following shortly thereafter [1]. The outcome of these motions could determine whether the case moves forward with a retrial or is resolved on the basis of legal error in the initial trial.

Roman Storm was found guilty of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business in Manhattan federal court on August 7 [1]. However, the jury was unable to reach a consensus on the charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and sanctions violations [1]. It is still unclear if the U.S. government will retry him on these charges.

The defense is seeking to address potential legal issues that may have influenced the jury’s mixed verdict. The filing notes that post-trial motions could affect the scope of a retrial on Counts One and Three, and potentially lead to a retrial on Count Two [1]. The legal arguments may focus on procedural and evidentiary grounds, such as whether the evidence admitted during the trial was sufficient to support the conviction or whether the jury was improperly instructed.

Storm’s legal defense has also drawn public attention and support, particularly within the crypto and DeFi communities. As of August 12, the Free Roman Storm website reported that $5.3 million had been raised out of a $7 million fundraising goal [1]. Contributions have come from various individuals, including a former intern of a detained Argentinian blockchain developer [1]. This support reflects a broader sentiment among DeFi advocates who view Storm’s case as a test of how legal systems respond to decentralized innovation and privacy-preserving technologies.

The case has become emblematic of the wider regulatory uncertainty surrounding blockchain tools that prioritize user privacy. Tornado Cash, a decentralized tool designed to obscure the origin of cryptocurrency transactions, has been scrutinized for its potential use in illicit activity. Legal experts and DeFi supporters continue to debate whether such tools should be classified as facilitators of money laundering or as legitimate privacy mechanisms.

As the legal process moves forward, the upcoming post-trial motions will play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the case. The defense’s arguments could influence the judge’s decision on whether a retrial is necessary or if the conviction should be upheld. The outcome will not only affect Roman Storm personally but could also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.

Source:

[1] Roman Storm Motions Due Sept. 30; Retrial Scope at Stake https://cryptonews.com/news/roman-storm-motions-sept-30-retrial-scope/

[4] Spot Ethereum ETFs top $1 billion in daily net inflows for ... https://www.coinglass.com/ru/news/531628