Federal Judge Approves Delay in Tornado Cash Co-Founder’s Trial
Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, will see his trial postponed until early December, following a decision by Judge Katherine Polk Failla of the Southern District of New York.
Originally scheduled for September, Storm’s defense successfully argued for more time to prepare, citing the complexity of legal issues surrounding Tornado Cash.
The core of the trial revolves around whether Storm can be held accountable for the actions of Tornado Cash users.
Defense attorneys emphasized that Storm relinquished control of the privacy software in May 2020 and cannot be held liable for subsequent activities, including alleged money laundering by groups like North Korean hackers.
During proceedings, Judge Failla considered motions regarding evidence disclosure and procedural issues. The defense sought access to communications between U.S. and Dutch investigators, crucial to understanding the arrest and charges against Alexey Pertsev, another Tornado Cash developer.
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There were also disputes over the scope of search warrants, particularly concerning the seizure of digital currencies.
Looking ahead, Judge Failla will rule on these motions and possibly decide on the dismissal of charges against Storm. The case raises significant legal questions about developer liability for software usage, drawing comparisons to other platforms like WhatsApp in terms of regulatory responsibility.
Meanwhile, in a related development, Alexey Pertsev faced further legal setbacks as a Dutch court denied his release, affirming his conviction for money laundering involving Tornado Cash.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at CoinsPress
Alex is an experienced finance journalist and a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast. With over five years of experience covering the industry, he deeply understands the complex and constantly evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His passionate approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and insightful content. Follow up on his content to be up to date with the most important trends and topics - stay ahead of the curve with CoinsPress.
