Vitalik Buterin Backs Tornado Cash Developer Roman Storm Amid Privacy Concerns
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 09 2026- Privacy Advocacy: Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin reiterated his support for Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm on X, emphasizing that using privacy tools for transactions is not a crime, highlighting the importance of personal privacy rights.
- Legal Challenges: Roman Storm was indicted for running an unlicensed money transmitter business and conspiracy to commit money laundering; while found guilty on one charge, the jury deadlocked on the other two, illustrating the complexity and uncertainty of the case.
- Industry Support: Storm has garnered widespread backing within the crypto industry, with many asserting that “writing code is not a crime,” indicating that developers' legal and ethical stances may influence future regulatory policies.
- Calls for Political Intervention: Following Storm's trial verdict, crypto companies and advocacy groups urged President Trump to intervene and dismiss all charges against him, reflecting the industry's hopes for policy changes and concerns over the legal environment.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
