The Biden-Garland DOJ went after Roman for writing neutral code that criminals used for their own criminal purposes - true of literally every product from cars to phones. This case is a serious threat to innovation. Time to shut down the Biden-Garland war on crypto.

Today, a jury in Manhattan issued a partial verdict in Roman Storm’s case: they convicted him on count 2, conspiracy to violate Section 1960, and did not reach a verdict for counts 1 and 3, conspiracy to launder money and violate sanctions.  We are disappointed that the jury did not recognize that Storm should not be responsible for the actions of third parties he could not control. While it is understandable that the jury could not reach a decision on all the charges — as the government made many mistakes throughout and their case was not compelling — we hoped for a different outcome for Storm.  The government’s case targeting a software developer should have never been brought in the first place and remains fundamentally flawed: Tornado Cash is non-custodial software through which people engage in self-directed, p2p transactions.  Even the government acknowledges that Tornado Cash developers did not and could not exercise control or custody over user assets.  We will continue to support Storm as he appeals the verdict on Section 1960. At the DeFi Education Fund, we will always advocate for DeFi software developers’ fundamental rights, as we fervently believe software developers deserve the freedom to build decentralized financial tools and infrastructure, including privacy-preserving technology.

Jury leaves - and then: AUSA Arad: We are moving for his remand to prison. There is a presumption and he cannot meet his burden. Judge: Does this argument have to be today? AUSA: Yes. Judge: Make your argument. AUSA: He's from Russia and has means

[Jurors file out] Judge: It would not surprise me if we hear back from them in an hour or so. I am canceling my other morning calendar.