Dear Crypto Community & Privacy Advocates,
This is an urgent call: My trial begins July 14, and we’re facing a critical shortfall. I need to raise $500K in the next few days and $1.5M within a couple of weeks to sustain our fight - covering escalating legal fees, expert witnesses, and research as the case extends beyond the initial 2-week projection.
My team is working nonstop to defend code as free speech, protect software development , and push back against government overreach that threatens us all.
If you can help, please donate now - every contribution counts in this battle for our freedoms: https://t.co/IYqXdqjieT
This is urgent 🚨
https://t.co/mxAYB2FmAo
Thank you. 🙏
😔💔 I’m Roman Storm. I poured my soul into Tornado Cash—software that’s non-custodial, trustless, permissionless, immutable, unstoppable. In 31 days, I face trial. The DOJ wants to bury DeFi, saying I should’ve controlled it, added KYC, never built it. SDNY is trying to crush me, blocking every expert witness. If I lose, DeFi dies with me. The dream of financial freedom, the code I believed in—it all fades into darkness. I’m fighting, but the weight is unbearable. This isn’t just my end; it’s ours. 🪦 #SaveDeFi #TornadoCash
https://t.co/IYqXdqjQ4r
My name is Roman Storm, and I am one of the founders of Tornado Cash, a non-custodial privacy protocol.
I am being prosecuted for writing open-source code that enables private crypto transactions in a completely non-custodial manner. This prosecution represents a terrifying criminalization of privacy.
The charges against me threaten to criminalize software development itself. If successful, the implications could extend far beyond the crypto industry, impacting every software developer. I face up to 45 years in prison on charges including operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and sanctions evasion.
This case has already had a chilling effect on developers working on software tools. Recently, a developer filed a lawsuit against the DOJ, seeking relief because my case has made them fearful of releasing new software.
https://t.co/kkhXrxJVnI
Additionally, there is significant confusion around the 1960 charge (operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business), as different government agencies have conflicting interpretations of the law.
https://t.co/BRKR0pWTaH
“This prosecution threatens to criminalize software development itself,” said Keri Axel of Waymaker LLP, my legal counsel.
American entrepreneur and politician @VivekGRamaswamy commented, “You can’t go after the developers of code. What you actually need to do is go after individual bad actors who are breaking the laws that already exist.”
https://t.co/WTn1weyoZO
Multiple amicus briefs have been filed in support of my defense by the DeFi Education Fund (@fund_defi), Coin Center (@coincenter), and Blockchain Association (@BlockchainAssn):
https://t.co/467XKatDuP
https://t.co/68p4WcMIP9
https://t.co/kzdZ39Qvrr
The 5th Circuit Court has already ruled that Tornado Cash sanctions were unlawful:
https://t.co/Vp4FACqnn8
However, the DOJ has dismissed this ruling as irrelevant:
https://t.co/tna6p4Nvnr
My trial is set for April 14, 2025.
Extremely excited to announce our whitelist collab with @STR8FIRE_io. Spots for the project will be distributed among Dark Echelon Holders.
STR8FIRE is an IP-based GameFi • 500+ Global IPs • backed by @shimacapital, 1200 supply free mint.
So, they are going to put the Tornado Cash developer in jail for 6 years.
The main rationale for the charges is that criminals & state hackers used the open source code he wrote.
But one would also assume that these bad actors used computers with operating systems.
Are the authorities going to pursue charges against the devs of Microsoft because it's the OS of choice for hackers?
But, let's take it up a notch...
People have used cars in order getaway from the scene of bank robberies. They have been involved in high speed chases which have had people killed.
Should we pursue charges against car manufacturers?
The logic is the same but the outcomes are different. Yet again an example as to why privacy isn't a right they want to afford us.
My two sats.
A new game that combines the TCG genre with tower defense mechanics and multi-phase battles.
Their Crystal Rush collection comes with a small 888 supply and will be FREE to mint.
Sounds exciting?
I certainly think so, which is why we will have a look at @Ardoxus today.
🧵👇
I have a private token cabal with my friends and then @DarkEchelonn where I tell my members what I’m buying and seeing, that’s it.
Might make a public telegram for Dark Echelon, will let you guys know soon.
Coinaban's Watchlist Ep #10
Today I will check out another 4 exciting projects that made my watchlist.
The 10th episode will feature
- an IP powerhouse going web3
- an MMORPG 1vs1 battler
- an OK zoo embarking on an OK tour
- a game with Stardew Valley vibes
NFA, DYOR!
🧵👇
Excited to be partnering with @DarkEchelonn!
Dark Echelon members now can start trading on Odyssey, the fastest NFT derivatives DEX!
Welcome aboard! 🛳️
Every Dark Echelon holder can now get access to the @cryptosensei_co passive copy trading account which has generated 30%+ ROI / month.
On top of all the bullish sentiment in crypto we believe this is a great new addition to our members.
We are thrilled to announce that @DarkEchelonn has taken our first stride towards becoming aspiring residents of @San_FranTokyo!
This collaboration marks the dawn of an exciting chapter, where creativity, diversity, and limitless possibilities converge.
There’s a new project with 8 figures in funding + a superteam that’s coming to the market with a low supply free mint & some other goodies that I confidently know will shake the space.
Those who get involved will probably make a crazy amount.
Who wants to get involved?