Court to Hear Claims Tornado Cash Could Have Been Modified
In a significant ruling in the Roman Storm criminal trial, U.S. District Judge Katherine Failla has allowed a government witness to testify that Tornado Cash could have been technically altered to prevent its use for money laundering.
Storm, the co-founder of Tornado Cash, is facing serious federal charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmission business, and violating U.S. sanctions.
The witness, Philip Werlau, will argue that Storm had the knowledge and ability to integrate features that could block illicit transactions.
Werlau, an investigator at AnChain.AI, is expected to testify that implementing a user registry smart contract or similar feature was technologically feasible, and that a developer like Storm would likely have known about such possibilities.
Defense Objections Overruled by Judge Failla
Storm’s defense team had filed a motion to exclude Werlau’s testimony, claiming there is no precedent for using a “user registry” in blockchain. However, Judge Failla dismissed the motion, stating that the testimony is allowed as long as it focuses on feasibility, not actual implementation.
“Such testimony is permissible,” Failla wrote, allowing the jury to hear how the platform might have been altered to deter criminal use.
This decision is a pivotal moment in the second week of the trial, which has already featured key testimony from law enforcement, cybersecurity experts, and alleged victims of crypto-based financial crimes.
Prosecutors Tie Tornado Cash to Major Laundering Events
Last week, the jury heard from FBI Special Agent Joel DeCapua, who detailed 16 separate incidents, each involving more than $5 million, funneled through Tornado Cash by hackers and criminal actors.
U.S. authorities are arguing that Storm knowingly enabled these transactions by refusing to implement controls.
The prosecution is expected to wrap up its case by Friday, after which Storm’s legal team will begin presenting its defense.
Tornado Cash Verdict Could Set Major Precedent
This case mirrors the prosecution of Alexey Pertsev, another Tornado Cash developer, who was convicted of money laundering in the Netherlands and sentenced to over five years in prison in 2024.
Storm’s verdict could shape the future of open-source development, especially for privacy-based blockchain tools.
As the trial continues, the crypto industry watches closely, knowing that the outcome could redefine legal boundaries for decentralized protocol developers in the U.S.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.
We use cookies to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. In accordance with GDPR/AVG and EU cookie regulations, data is processed only with your consent. We may share information about your use of our website with our social media, advertising, and analytics partners, and you can manage or withdraw your consent at any time. View more
Cookies settings
Accept
Privacy & Cookie policy
Privacy & Cookies policy
Cookies list
Cookie name
Active
Privacy Policy
At BitxJournal.com, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, process, store, and protect personal information in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and AVG (EU privacy legislation).
1. Data Controller
BitxJournal.com acts as the data controller for all personal data processed through this website.
2. Personal Data We Collect
We may collect and process the following categories of data:
Personal Data
Name and email address (when you subscribe to newsletters or contact us)
Technical & Usage Data
IP address, browser type, operating system
Device information
Pages visited, referral sources, and interaction data
This data is collected via cookies, log files, and analytics technologies.
3. Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal data only when a lawful basis exists, including:
Consent – when you explicitly agree (e.g., cookies, newsletter sign-up)
Legitimate interest – to operate, secure, and improve our website
Legal obligation – when required by applicable laws
You may withdraw your consent at any time.
4. Purpose of Data Processing
Your data is processed for the following purposes:
Operating and maintaining the website
Improving content, usability, and performance
Sending newsletters or updates (only with consent)
Analyzing traffic and user behavior
Responding to inquiries or support requests
5. Cookies & Consent Management
We use cookies and similar technologies in compliance with EU Cookie Law.
Non-essential cookies are placed only after explicit user consent
Users may accept, reject, or manage cookie preferences at any time
Consent can be withdrawn without affecting prior lawful processing
Detailed cookie information is available in our Cookie Settings panel.
6. Third-Party Data Processing
We may share limited data with trusted third-party service providers, including:
Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics)
Advertising partners (for personalized or non-personalized ads)
These third parties act as data processors and process data only under contractual obligations compliant with GDPR/AVG.
7. International Data Transfers
Where data is transferred outside the European Economic Area (EEA), we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or equivalent legal mechanisms.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.
9. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
10. Your GDPR Rights
Under GDPR/AVG, you have the right to:
Access your personal data
Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data
Request data erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
Restrict or object to processing
Data portability
Withdraw consent at any time
Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
12. Contact Information
For privacy-related inquiries or GDPR requests, contact:
