More than 65 blockchain companies and organizations have sent a letter to President Donald Trump, requesting his intervention in the legal case of Roman Storm, co-founder and developer of Tornado Cash. Federal prosecutors are currently preparing for a retrial in the case. The letter is intended to protect good-faith software development and highlight the necessity for clear and balanced policies within the U.S. crypto sector.
Tornado Cash as a Tool for Financial Freedom
Roman Storm was found guilty of operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business, which was one of the three felony charges he faced. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the remaining charges, which included conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to violate sanctions.
Storm continues to maintain his plea of not guilty, asserting that "writing code is not a crime." This viewpoint is shared by many within the industry who view Tornado Cash as a valuable tool for privacy and financial freedom. The prospect of a retrial has raised significant concerns regarding the potential impact that strict legal decisions could have on blockchain developers and their projects.
The Call for More and Better Regulations
The letter was collaboratively drafted by several prominent groups, including the Solana Policy Institute, Blockchain Association, and DeFi Education Fund. It specifically requests that the Department of Justice drop the pending charges against Roman Storm. Furthermore, it urges the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to provide much-needed regulatory clarity. The letter also advocates for improved tax guidance to discourage blockchain activity from relocating offshore and emphasizes the critical importance of policies that foster innovation without criminalizing legitimate software development.
The organizations behind the letter argue that balanced government support can effectively position the United States as a global leader in blockchain technology. Simultaneously, it can strengthen regulation in a manner that is both fair and conducive to growth. The letter underscores that prompt administrative actions, coupled with thoughtful legislative efforts, could yield immediate advantages for the crypto ecosystem and provide crucial protection for developers operating within the bounds of the law.
The ultimate outcome of the case involving Roman Storm and Tornado Cash has the potential to establish important precedents for how blockchain developers are treated. It could significantly influence regulatory clarity and shape the country's overall stance on technological innovation. The industry is closely monitoring the resolution of this litigation.