Tornado

Jury Convicts Tornado Cash Co-Founder Roman Storm on Money Transmitting Charge, Deadlocks on Money Laundering and Sanctions

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NEW YORK — A jury has reached a verdict in the case against Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, convicting him of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. The jury deliberated for a week, during which it grappled with complex charges involving money laundering and sanctions violations but was ultimately deadlocked on those counts. Court documents released by Judge Katherine Failla reveal that, as jurors navigated this high-profile case, they made multiple inquiries for additional information. Their requests included transcripts of witness testimonies, clarifications around the indictment specifics, and details on the wallets linked to … Read more

Jury Stalemate Reached in Tornado Cash Founder’s Money Laundering Trial

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A federal jury in New York City has been unable to reach a unanimous decision regarding the money laundering charges against the founder of Tornado Cash, a cryptocurrency mixing service. This outcome reflects a growing tension within the legal system surrounding the regulation of digital currencies and tools used to enhance privacy. The jury deliberated for several days but ultimately reported being deadlocked, leading the presiding judge to announce a mistrial. The defendant, Alexey Pertsev, had faced accusations of facilitating criminal activity by allegedly aiding users in obscuring the source of their digital assets. His … Read more

Judge Allows Discussion on Privacy in Tornado Cash Trial, But Sets Strict Limits on Topics

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New York—A federal judge has allowed Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm to address privacy concerns during his criminal trial, though limitations have been imposed on how those discussions can take place. Judge Katherine Polk Failla ruled on Friday that while Storm’s defense team may refer to the necessity of privacy, they cannot invoke a legal “right to privacy” in their arguments. In her decision, Failla emphasized that the defense could discuss relevant privacy issues but cannot reference “inflamatory” incidents such as cryptocurrency-related kidnappings unless they occurred before August 8, 2022. This ruling marks a setback … Read more

Portage Unites for May Day March; Community Still Rebuilding from Tornado Aftermath

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Portage, Michigan, witnessed a week marked by significant community events and ongoing challenges. From protests advocating for workers’ rights to the lingering aftermath of natural disasters, the city was alive with activity and reflection. On Saturday, the streets of Portage overflowed with thousands of demonstrators who gathered for a May Day rally. Organized by Indivisible Greater Kalamazoo, the event emphasized workers’ rights and called for proactive community engagement. Participants waved signs and chanted slogans, showcasing their solidarity on this observance of International Workers’ Day. Meanwhile, a year after an EF2 tornado ravaged the area, residents … Read more