Archive · 6 Aug 2025
Tornado Cash Founder Jury Deadlocks on Money Laundering
Imagine a website that helps people hide their money.
Roman Storm created one called Tornado Cash.
He was accused of letting criminals, including hackers from North Korea, use it to hide over a billion dollars.
The government said he knew what was happening, but kept the website running for money.
However, a jury couldn't agree on whether he was guilty of money laundering.
They did find him guilty of running the website without a license.
Now, he's waiting to find out what will happen next.
A U.S. jury deadlocked on money laundering charges against Roman Storm, founder of Tornado Cash.
Storm was found guilty of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.
The charges stemmed from accusations that Tornado Cash helped hide over $1 billion, including funds for a North Korean hacking group.
Storm's defense argued he did not intend to help criminals, while prosecutors cited his continued operation despite awareness of illicit use.
Storm faces potential sentencing by U.S. District Judge Katherine Failla.
- Who
- Roman Storm, the founder of Tornado Cash.
- What
- A jury deadlocked on money laundering charges against Tornado Cash founder Roman Storm, but found him guilty of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.
- When
- The jury reached the verdict on Wednesday, August 6.
- Where
- Manhattan federal court.
- Why
- Storm was charged with money laundering and sanctions evasion for allegedly helping criminals hide over $1 billion, including funds for a North Korean hacking group.
Defense
Prosecution
Intent vs. Action
Defense
Roman Storm's intent was not to help criminals; the software was not unlawful.
Prosecution
The prosecution argued that Storm kept running the business out of greed, despite knowing it was helping criminals.
- Defendant
- Roman Storm
- Company
- Tornado Cash
- Charges
- Money laundering, sanctions evasion, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business
- Verdict
- Deadlock on money laundering; Guilty of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business
- Hidden Funds Allegation
- $1 billion
- Involved Party
- North Korean hacking group Lazarus Group