The trial of the co-founder of the controversial crypto mixer Tornado Cash, Roman Storm, on the accusations of money laundering has been pushed back by three months.
Judge Katherine Polk Failla of the Southern District of New York granted the defense’s request for a delay, citing “complex and novel legal and factual issues” and the need to translate a vast amount of Russian-language documents.
This decision came despite objections from prosecutors who argued for a speedy trial in the public interest.
Storm Faces Charged for Conspiracy
Storm, arrested in August 2023, faces charges of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitter and facilitate money laundering and sanctions evasion.
Advertisement
The case has raised critical questions about the nature of decentralized platforms and the extent of founders’ liability.
During recent court proceedings, Storm’s defense team argued that Tornado Cash wasn’t established with criminal intent and lacked control over user funds. Judge Failla’s probing questions to prosecutors, such as “What should they have done?” when aware of illicit use, underscore the complex issues at play.
The case raises fundamental questions about platform creators’ responsibility when their services are used for illegal activities. As Judge Failla pointedly asked, “If [Tornado Cash] has 1,000 customers and 1 is a bad actor, are they criminally liable?”
This trial delay comes in the wake of the conviction of Alexey Pertsev, another Tornado Cash developer, by a Dutch court in May.
Advertisement
Also Read: Hong Kong Ramps Up Crypto Scrutiny, Flags 7 Unlicensed Crypto Exchanges
