Ethereum Foundation Donates $500,000 for Roman Storm Defense

• Lyla Velez
• June 13, 2025

The Ethereum Foundation has announced a $500,000 donation to support the legal defense of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm, facing trial in the U.S. this July.

This development underscores mounting tensions in decentralized finance, impacting privacy tool developers globally.

The Ethereum Foundation’s Donation

The Ethereum Foundation has pledged $500,000 to the legal defense of Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash. Storm faces charges in the U.S. for unlicensed money transfer and money laundering, raising industry concerns.

Privacy is normal, and writing code is not a crime. We are donating $500,000 to Roman Storm’s legal defense and matching up to $750,000 in community donations. — Ethereum Foundation, Official Twitter, June 13, 2025

In addition to the donation, the Ethereum Foundation will match community contributions up to $750,000. Vitalik Buterin and others have shown support for Storm, emphasizing privacy’s importance in decentralized finance.

Community Reaction and Market Stability

The pledge has sparked discussions among developers and privacy advocates. Ethereum’s recent price remained stable, showing no direct impact from the donation announcement on the market.

Financial support is crucial amidst growing regulatory scrutiny against privacy tools. With the trial set for July 14, U.S. regulators and developers watch its potential outcomes closely.

Global Implications for DeFi Privacy Tools

Roman Storm’s situation highlights the challenges facing privacy-focused DeFi projects globally. Legal outcomes may shape future regulatory strategies and developer activities within decentralized systems.

Historical actions and funding patterns show mixed market reactions to privacy tool controversies. Experts suggest growing institutional interest in shaping regulatory responses for sustainable technological progress.