The Ethereum Foundation has donated $500,000 to support the legal defense of Roman Storm, co-founder of the cryptocurrency mixer Tornado Cash, ahead of his trial scheduled for July 2025. In addition to this contribution, the foundation pledged to match up to $750,000 in additional donations raised from the community, bringing the potential total support to $1.25 million. The trial centers on allegations that Tornado Cash was used as a tool for money laundering, with prosecutors arguing that the platform was "especially suited" for protecting the privacy of criminals. The defense, however, maintains that Tornado Cash was developed for legitimate privacy purposes. Jury deliberations began in late July 2025 in the Southern District of New York, with Judge Failla overseeing the case. Community fundraising efforts continue, with donations accepted in Bitcoin and matched by the Ethereum Foundation. The case has drawn attention for its implications on software development and privacy protocols in the cryptocurrency space.