Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, has issued a dire warning regarding his upcoming trial, stating that the future of decentralized finance (DeFi) is at stake. Charged by the Department of Justice in 2023 with conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating an unlicensed money transmitter, Storm argues that a conviction could have catastrophic effects on the DeFi landscape. He criticized the DOJ's approach, claiming it undermines financial freedom and punishes developers for how their software is utilized. Despite a shift in DOJ policy under President Trump that suggested leniency towards crypto enforcement, Storm's case has not benefited, leading to fears about the implications for other DeFi advocates. Recent legal decisions have reinforced the belief that software creators should not be held accountable for the misuse of their tools by third parties. This trial represents a critical moment for the principles governing decentralized financial systems, and supporters of DeFi are concerned about its potential repercussions.

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