Roman Storm Chooses Not to Testify in Landmark Tornado Cash Money Laundering Trial Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm has decided not to testify in his high-stakes money laundering trial unfolding in Manhattan federal court. The move comes as his legal team scrambles to meet mounting defense costs with just days left in the proceedings.

Roman Storm Declines to Testify in Federal Court

According to a July 29 report from Inner City Press, Storm and his lawyer informed U.S. District Court Judge Katherine Polk Failla that the crypto-mixer co-founder would not take the stand this week.

"Mr. Storm, you know you can testify," the judge said. "You have chosen not to testify?"

"Yes, your honor," Storm replied.

Storm's lawyer, Klein, confirmed: "My client is not going to testify."

Defense Fund Nears $5 Million Contribution Goal

News of Storm’s decision not to testify comes just days after he took to X (formerly Twitter) to appeal to supporters for more contributions to his legal defense fund.

"Our lawyers and experts are working around the clock—we’ve forgotten what normal sleep feels like," Storm wrote in a July 26 post. "Every hour counts, and so do the costs."

According to the Free Roman Storm website, contributions to Storm’s defense have exceeded $4.5 million, nearly reaching his $5 million goal. "If you believe in fairness, open-source, and freedom, please help us finish strong," he added.

Background on the Case

Storm has faced an intense legal battle since his landmark open-source trial began in New York City earlier this month. He and fellow Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Semenov were indicted in August 2023 on charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, and sanctions violations. Federal prosecutors allege Storm laundered and concealed more than $1 billion through Tornado Cash—including hundreds of millions for the Lazarus Group, North Korea’s state-sponsored malware collective.

"Roman Storm and Roman Semenov allegedly operated Tornado Cash and knowingly facilitated this money laundering," then-U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in an August 2023 press release.

If convicted, Storm faces up to 45 years in federal prison.

Source: Roman Storm Will Not Take The Stand In His Own Defense - CryptoNews (Published July 30, 2025)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Legal Proceedings and Defense

Q: Why did Roman Storm decide not to testify? A: Roman Storm chose not to testify in his trial, as his legal team is reportedly focused on managing mounting defense costs. Q: How much has been raised for Roman Storm's legal defense fund? A: The defense fund has exceeded $4.5 million, nearing its $5 million goal. Q: What are the charges against Roman Storm? A: Roman Storm faces charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, and sanctions violations. Q: What is the maximum sentence Roman Storm could face if convicted? A: If convicted, Storm faces up to 45 years in federal prison.

Tornado Cash and Allegations

Q: What is Tornado Cash? A: Tornado Cash is a cryptocurrency mixer that prosecutors allege was used to launder and conceal over $1 billion. Q: What specific allegations are made against Roman Storm and Tornado Cash? A: Prosecutors allege that Storm and co-founder Roman Semenov knowingly facilitated money laundering through Tornado Cash, including funds for the Lazarus Group.

Crypto Market AI's Take

The legal proceedings surrounding Roman Storm and Tornado Cash highlight the increasing scrutiny faced by cryptocurrency privacy tools. As regulatory bodies worldwide grapple with how to oversee digital assets, cases like this underscore the importance of understanding compliance and the legal implications within the crypto space. Our platform provides resources to navigate these complex areas, offering insights into cryptocurrency regulations and market trends that can impact developers and users alike.

Roman Storm Will Not Take The Stand In His Own Defense