The Ethereum Foundation has pledged a $500,000 donation for the legal defense of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm facing multiple charges related to operating a crypto mixer.
The foundation also plans to match up to an additional $750,000 in donations from the crypto community for Storm's defense.
Storm is set to stand trial in New York facing charges including conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to violate US sanctions, and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business.
If found guilty, Storm could face up to 45 years in prison.
The Ethereum Foundation emphasized that 'privacy is normal, and writing code is not a crime' in a statement regarding its support for Storm.
Storm has been trying to have the charges dismissed, but the trial is scheduled to commence on July 14.
The Tornado Cash co-founder aims to raise about $2 million for his legal defense.
Storm reached out to the crypto community on social media, expressing the weight of the legal battle and its potential impact on decentralized finance.
He highlighted the importance of privacy and the right to code in his message.
Storm thanked the Ethereum Foundation for its donation, emphasizing the significance of standing up for privacy and coding rights in his legal defense.
The crypto community is rallying support for Storm amidst the upcoming trial.
Storm's arrest in 2023 has sparked discussions around privacy in the crypto space.
Despite prosecutors intending to drop one charge, Storm maintains his innocence.
The trial outcome could have implications for decentralized finance.
Storm's plea for support underscored the broader significance of the case and its potential impact on the community.
The $500,000 donation from the Ethereum Foundation is a significant step towards Storm's legal defense fund.