Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has publicly defended Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm, condemning the U.S. government's prosecution as an attack on software development and privacy rights. In a letter published on January 9, 2026, Buterin positioned Storm's legal battle as a fight for personal autonomy in an age of increasing surveillance.
Buterin stated, "I have supported Roman Storm's work from the beginning, both as a strong believer in the importance of privacy and as an active user of privacy tools." He praised Storm for creating usable software that continued to serve its purpose even after development ceased. Buterin argued that privacy tools like Tornado Cash are crucial for protecting personal information from systemic data exploitation by corporations and governments, and that the ability to control personal data should be a basic right.
The support extends beyond rhetoric. In December 2024, Buterin personally contributed 50 ETH (approximately $170,000 at the time) to Storm's legal defense fund. The Ethereum Foundation has also been a major backer, donating $500,000 in June 2024 and pledging to match up to a further $750,000 in community donations. By 2025, the defense fund had raised over $6.39 million, with contributions from blockchain privacy researchers and various organizations.
The case stems from an August 2023 indictment by the U.S. Department of Justice, which charged Storm with conspiracy to commit money laundering, operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business, and violate sanctions laws. Prosecutors allege Tornado Cash facilitated the laundering of hundreds of millions of dollars, including funds linked to the North Korean hacking group Lazarus. Storm, who was released on a $2 million bond, maintains his innocence and awaits trial in New York.
This case is part of a broader crackdown on privacy tool developers. In the Netherlands, Tornado Cash co-creator Alexey Pertsev received a 64-month prison sentence on similar charges. In April 2024, the co-founders of Samourai Wallet were arrested on money laundering charges. The legal pressure has sparked widespread support from the crypto community; in August 2025, over 110 crypto entities signed a letter urging U.S. Senate leaders to include protections for software developers in proposed legislation.
The outcome of this legal battle is poised to set a significant precedent for software development, privacy rights, and the regulation of decentralized technologies, balancing individual freedoms against collective security interests in the digital financial system.
