Ethereum Co-Founder Vitalik Buterin Supports Sentenced Developer, Describes Privacy as a 'Fundamental Safeguard'

Vitalik Buterin Defends Tornado Cash Developer Roman Storm

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has publicly voiced his support for Roman Storm, a developer behind Tornado Cash. Storm was found guilty last August of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Buterin emphasized that creating privacy-focused technology is a basic human right and argued that Storm should not be penalized simply because his software could be misused.

“I have backed Roman Storm’s efforts from the start, both as a firm advocate for privacy and as someone who personally uses privacy tools, including those developed by Roman,” Buterin shared on X, posting a letter in support of Storm.

Buterin further explained, “In today’s world, threats can come from anywhere, both online and offline. If someone gains access to your personal information, they can exploit you—whether socially, financially, or even physically. The ability to control who knows details about our lives, communications, locations, and finances is a vital safeguard.”

Background on Tornado Cash

Tornado Cash is a cryptocurrency mixer designed to obscure transaction trails. In 2022, the U.S. Treasury added it to its sanctions list, citing its use by North Korea’s Lazarus Group and other criminal organizations to launder billions in stolen digital assets.

The platform was reportedly used to process funds from major cyberattacks, including the $622 million Ronin Bridge hack and a $100 million theft from Harmony Bridge. Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic estimated that over $1.5 billion in illicit funds passed through Tornado Cash before sanctions were imposed, with the total volume reaching around $7 billion.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control prohibited U.S. citizens from using Tornado Cash, although these restrictions were removed in March 2025.

Legal Proceedings Against Roman Storm

In 2023, Storm was charged with conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy to violate sanctions, and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. A Manhattan jury found him guilty on the unlicensed money transmitting charge, but could not reach a verdict on the other accusations.

A few weeks later, Matthew Galeotti, head of the DOJ’s criminal division, announced that software developers would no longer be prosecuted under the same charge that led to Storm’s conviction.

Storm is currently awaiting sentencing and has requested an acquittal, a motion that prosecutors have opposed. He could face up to five years in prison.

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Other Tornado Cash Developers Face Legal Challenges

Alexey Pertsev, another developer for Tornado Cash, was also prosecuted. Dutch authorities detained the Russian programmer in 2022, and he was later convicted of laundering $1.2 billion through the mixer. Pertsev received a sentence of over five years in prison, but has since been placed under house arrest while he appeals.

The Ethereum Foundation contributed $1.25 million to support Pertsev’s legal defense.

Buterin’s Perspective on Privacy

Buterin stressed that privacy is essential for society, including in cultural and political spheres, to prevent manipulation and coercion.

He challenged the common belief that while privacy from the public is acceptable, authorities should have unrestricted access to everyone’s data for safety reasons. Buterin warned that government databases are vulnerable to breaches, potentially exposing sensitive information to hostile foreign actors.

He also pointed out that agencies often outsource data management to private companies, which may sell personal information without consent. For example, cell phone providers frequently sell location data, sometimes resulting in it falling into the hands of foreign governments.

Buterin concluded, “Roman and I both hope for a future where fundamental rights—once taken for granted—remain protected. That’s why I stand with him.”

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