Catenaa, Wednesday, April 08, 2026- Federal prosecutors opposed Ethereum developer Roman Storm’s request to dismiss his criminal case, arguing that a recent Supreme Court ruling in a copyright case does not apply.
Storm, arrested in 2023 for operating Tornado Cash, a privacy-focused Ethereum mixer, faces charges including conspiracy to commit money laundering and sanctions evasion.
Storm’s attorneys cited the Supreme Court’s March 25 ruling in the Cox case, where the court found that an internet service provider could not be held liable for users’ illegal copyright streaming. They argued the decision supports Storm’s claim that Tornado Cash, running autonomously, should not be held accountable for illicit activity.
The DOJ countered that Cox actively discouraged copyright infringement and provided legitimate commercial services, while Storm allegedly knew that some Tornado Cash users engaged in illegal activity and took no action. Prosecutors also asserted that Tornado Cash lacked substantial legal uses, framing it as fundamentally different from the Cox precedent.
Storm was previously convicted by a Manhattan jury in 2025 for operating an illegal money transmitter, though two other charges were unresolved. The DOJ filed to retry him for the remaining conspiracy counts.
The case reflects tension between the Trump administration’s pro-crypto policy statements and the ongoing prosecution of crypto developers, particularly those providing privacy tools. Federal authorities argue that privacy services used for illicit activity warrant scrutiny despite broader support for blockchain innovation.
The DOJ’s rejection of Storm’s dismissal plea sets the stage for a possible second trial, with privacy advocates warning it could establish stricter liability standards for decentralized software developers. Legal experts note the outcome could influence enforcement of crypto compliance and privacy norms across the U.S.
