The U.S. Department of Justice has urged a federal court to deny a motion seeking to overturn the conviction of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm. According to federal prosecutors from the Southern District of New York, the evidence presented at trial was more than sufficient to support his guilty verdict.
Storm was found partially guilty in August 2025 of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting service. Following the verdict, his legal team filed a post-trial motion arguing that the prosecution had failed to prove any of the three charges against him. The DOJ, however, maintains that Storm’s involvement in the creation and management of Tornado Cash is well-documented.
Court filings indicate that Storm and his partners frequently modified the platform’s interface, controlling user access and functionality. Prosecutors argue that these actions clearly demonstrate his managerial role, noting that over 96% of Tornado Cash users interacted with the service through these updates.
Beyond the main charge, Storm’s defense also sought acquittal on two additional counts related to money laundering and sanctions violations. Prosecutors contend that the evidence for these allegations was fully substantiated, citing instances of Tornado Cash being used by sanctioned entities, including cybercriminal networks and organizations linked to North Korea. The DOJ emphasizes that Storm was aware of the potential consequences yet continued to develop and expand the platform.
Judge Katherine Polk Failla will consider the arguments once the defense submits its response. The case has drawn attention from the tech and crypto communities, with investment firm Paradigm highlighting potential risks for software development in the U.S. due to the legal precedent it may set.
