Roman Storm Trial: Prosecutors Expect Case Closure by July 25

US Attorneys Aim to Wrap Up Case Against Roman Storm

Prosecutors in New York's Southern District are nearing the end of their presentation against Roman Storm, co-founder and developer of Tornado Cash. Courtroom reports indicate that Assistant US Attorney Thane Rehn expects the prosecution to conclude its case by the end of next week, potentially around July 25.

Following the prosecution's closure, Storm's legal team will present their witnesses. Storm previously anticipated the trial could last 3-4 weeks, citing complex legal arguments and unforeseen evidence.

This week, the prosecution presented testimony from individuals linked to hackers allegedly using Tornado Cash to launder funds. FBI employees, including a forensic accountant and a special agent who searched Storm’s home near Seattle, also testified.

Charges Against Storm

Roman Storm faces serious charges, including:

• Money laundering
• Conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitter
• Conspiracy to violate US sanctions

These charges stem from his role in founding the crypto mixing service Tornado Cash in 2019, alongside Alexey Pertsev and Roman Semenov. If convicted on all counts, Storm could face a lengthy prison sentence.

Storm's Defense Strategy

Storm's attorneys have hinted at their defense strategy, suggesting they may argue that privacy services like Tornado Cash are essential for protecting crypto users from threats such as kidnappings. They referenced high-profile cases of crypto users being targeted by criminals, emphasizing the need for privacy measures.

However, prosecutors are attempting to block testimony related to kidnapping and torture, and the judge had not ruled on the matter at the time of this report.

As the legal proceedings continue, it's crucial to stay informed about the developments and potential implications for the broader cryptocurrency landscape.

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