Ethereum co-creator Vitalik Buterin has once again shown his support for Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm by donating 100 ETH to bolster Storm’s legal defense fund. This generous contribution comes as Storm faces legal challenges following the US government’s sanctions on the anonymous crypto mixing protocol.
In a heartfelt message on social media platform X, Storm expressed his gratitude to Buterin for his ongoing support, stating, “I can’t describe how much it means to me. Thank you for your long-lasting support.” This latest donation from Buterin marks the third time he has stepped in to help the beleaguered Tornado Cash developers.
The legal defense fund, hosted on the decentralized fundraising platform Juicebox, has raised over $800,000 in Ethereum to date. Storm’s legal expenses have reportedly reached $500,000 per month, with additional funds of $2 to $3 million needed to support his case. The support from Buterin and other contributors is crucial in ensuring Storm receives a fair defense in the face of these legal challenges.
The US government sanctioned Tornado Cash in 2022, citing national security concerns and alleging that over $7 billion worth of digital assets had been laundered through the protocol, including funds linked to the North Korean hacking network the Lazarus Group. Storm, along with fellow developer Roman Semenov, was arrested last year on charges of assisting the Lazarus Group in laundering illicit funds.
Buterin’s previous donation of 30 ETH to Storm’s legal fund, along with the support from the community, highlights the importance of standing together in times of crisis. Despite the challenges faced by Storm and the Tornado Cash developers, the outpouring of support and contributions towards the legal defense fund demonstrate a united front in the fight for justice.
As the case continues to unfold, it is clear that the crypto community is rallying behind Storm and his team, showing solidarity and support in the face of adversity. With Buterin’s generous contribution and the ongoing fundraising efforts, there is hope that Storm will receive the necessary resources to navigate the legal challenges ahead.
The story of Vitalik Buterin’s donation to Roman Storm’s legal defense fund serves as a reminder of the resilience and camaraderie within the crypto community. By coming together to support one another in times of need, we can overcome obstacles and pave the way for a more just and equitable future.