DOJ invokes Bitcoin Fog ruling in potential blow to Roman Storm acquittal bid
- Federal prosecutors cited a Sept. 25 appeals court ruling affirming the conviction of Bitcoin Fog operator Roman Sterlingov.
- Prosecutors argue that Tornado Cash activity in Manhattan justifies venue for charges against developer Roman Storm.
- A jury convicted Storm in August for operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business but deadlocked on other charges.
- Storm’s retrial on money-laundering and sanctions conspiracy counts is scheduled for April 26, 2027.
- Storm criticized the DOJ’s filing, highlighting conflicting government approaches to crypto privacy tools.
The DOJ’s reliance on the Bitcoin Fog ruling emphasizes the legal challenges surrounding cryptocurrency mixers like Tornado Cash, particularly regarding venue establishment based on user activity. This case highlights ongoing tensions between regulatory bodies and developers in the crypto space.
With a retrial set for April, Storm faces significant legal hurdles as he contests his previous convictions and seeks acquittal on remaining charges related to his operations with Tornado Cash.(Source)
