Ethereum dev gives $500K for Roman Storm’s legal defense

Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) core developer Federico Carrone pledged $500,000 to Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm’s legal fund after being detained in Turkey for alleged links to a privacy protocol.

Carrone said he was held for about 24 hours by Turkish authorities, prompting him to raise his original donation from $50,000 to $500,000.

He noted the Ethereum Foundation will match donations up to another $500,000, potentially doubling the impact of his contribution.

Storm was indicted in 2023 on charges of money laundering, conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitter, and conspiracy to violate US sanctions.

On Aug. 6, a New York jury convicted Storm on the unlicensed money transmitter charge but deadlocked on the other two, leaving room for a potential retrial.

Storm’s legal defense fund has raised about $5.4 million to date, with contributions from the Ethereum Foundation and the Golem Foundation.

He is seeking $7 million to cover legal expenses through December or longer.

Supporters argue that “writing code is not a crime” and have rallied behind him since his arrest.

A federal judge recently approved a joint request from Storm’s attorneys and prosecutors to delay procedural deadlines tied to a possible retrial.

Storm has not yet been sentenced and faces a maximum of five years in prison for the felony conviction.

At the time of reporting, Ethereum price was $4,573.28.