In this episode of LexLine, criminal defense lawyer Carlo D’Angelo—the DeFi Defense Lawyer—dives into one of the most consequential crypto trials in U.S. history: the criminal case against Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm. Broadcasting live from the heart of legal commentary, Carlo breaks down what’s at stake in this Manhattan courtroom battle and why the outcome could radically reshape privacy rights, blockchain development, and free speech protections.
What You’ll Learn:
What Tornado Cash is and how its mixing technology works on the Ethereum blockchain
Why the DOJ is charging Storm under the unlicensed money transmitter statute (18 U.S.C. 1960)
How privacy-preserving tools like mixers, VPNs, and encrypted messaging apps are being scrutinized under federal law
The implications of the Blanche Memo and FinCEN guidance—and how they could be game-changers
Why prosecuting open-source software could set a dangerous precedent for developers and investors
Real-world consequences: from pig butchering scams to crypto laundering pipelines and how unsuspecting intermediaries are being criminalized
Why this case might lead to an appeal—and a potential Supreme Court showdown
Why It Matters:
If the DOJ secures a conviction, this case could open the floodgates for criminalizing software tools that promote financial privacy—even if misused by bad actors. It’s not just about Tornado Cash—it's about whether code is speech, and who bears responsibility when code is abused.