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CryptoMediumUpdated×2•Originally published 8 April 2026•Updated 9 April 2026•

1 min read

DOJ Rejects Tornado Cash Co-founder's Motion to Dismiss Criminal Charges

Key Facts

1The US Department of Justice rejected Roman Storm's defense arguments to dismiss the charges against him.

about 2 months ago

Version History

5 additional sources confirmed this story

Version 2about 2 months ago

What changed: The scheduled hearing took place in Manhattan; the judge deferred a ruling on the motion to dismiss, citing the case's complexity.

Version 1about 2 months ago

What changed: Added details regarding the SDNY prosecutors leading the case, their push for an October trial date, and the scheduling of a key hearing later this week.

The legal battle between Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, and the US Department of Justice (DOJ) intensified following a court hearing in Manhattan on Thursday. During the proceedings, the presiding judge acknowledged the complexity of the case, describing the extensive legal arguments as "a lot." No immediate ruling was issued on Storm's motion to dismiss the criminal charges, leaving the developer's legal fate uncertain for the time being. The DOJ continues to argue that the protocol facilitated money laundering and violated international sanctions, operating as an unlicensed money-transmitting business. Prosecutors from the Southern District of New York (SDNY) maintain that existing criminal statutes apply to the decentralized platform's activities, rejecting defense claims of government overreach. While a trial is tentatively planned for October, the court's deferred decision underscores the significant legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny facing the DeFi sector.