Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm’s trial on charges related to money laundering has been rescheduled to April 2025.
This decision was made by U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla, who announced on November 1 that the delay would allow both sides additional time to exchange information on expert witnesses. Originally set for December 2024, the trial has now been pushed back by four months to resolve ongoing disputes between the defense and prosecution.
Defense challenges ruling on expert witness disclosures
Roman Storm’s defense team, led by attorney Brian Klein of Waymaker LLP, has objected to Judge Failla’s order requiring an exchange of information on expert witnesses. In an October 14 filing, Klein argued that the mandated disclosure would unfairly disadvantage Storm’s defense strategy. According to Klein, sharing expert details could reveal their legal approach prematurely and “greatly prejudice Mr. Storm.”
The defense claims that Judge Failla’s decision may violate federal criminal procedure rules, noting that they did not request a similar disclosure from the prosecution. In response, Storm’s legal team has filed a mandamus petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, seeking a reversal of the judge’s ruling. A hearing for this petition is scheduled for November 12.
Background of the charges against storm
Roman Storm faces a three-count indictment from U.S. prosecutors who accuse him of facilitating a $1 billion money laundering scheme involving North Korea’s Lazarus Group. The charges include conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to violate sanctions, and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business.
The prosecution argues that Tornado Cash, a cryptocurrency mixer, was instrumental in helping cybercriminals obscure the origins of illicit funds. Storm’s defense, however, contends that he was merely involved in software development and has argued that prosecuting him for writing code infringes on his right to free speech.
Judge Failla’s response to defense arguments
Storm’s legal team previously sought to dismiss the charges, claiming that their client was unfairly targeted for his role as a developer. However, Judge Failla rejected this argument, stating that it was inappropriate for the court to accept Storm’s narrative as fact at this stage. “If the jury ultimately accepts this narrative, then it will acquit,” she said, clarifying that it would be up to the jury to determine Storm’s intent and role in the alleged activities. Following this decision, the trial was initially set for December before rescheduling to April 2025. The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks.