Roman Storm’s Defense Team Raises Concerns About DOJ Withholding Information
Roman Storm’s defense team is questioning whether the U.S. Department of Justice is withholding crucial information that could impact the Tornado Cash developer’s case. In a letter filed recently, defense attorneys expressed concerns about potential misconduct by prosecutors in handling the case.
The defense team highlighted recent revelations in a similar case involving developers of Samourai Wallet, which raised red flags about possible misleading tactics by the prosecutors. The defense attorneys suggested that the DOJ may have failed to disclose exculpatory evidence related to the classification of noncustodial cryptocurrency mixers as ‘money transmitting businesses’ under the law.
“The government’s failure to produce these materials in a timely manner constitutes a Brady violation and has significantly prejudiced Roman Storm’s defense,” the filing stated. Despite the DOJ dropping a portion of its case against Storm, the defense team believes that crucial information was withheld during the initial stages of the legal proceedings.
Storm’s defense team referenced the DOJ’s handling of the Samourai Wallet case, where prosecutors were accused of delaying the disclosure of key information that could impact the classification of the crypto mixer. The defense team emphasized the importance of understanding the implications of noncustodial protocols in determining the legality of such services.
The defense team is urging Judge Katherine Polk Failla to compel the DOJ to review any potentially helpful materials and share relevant documents from the Samourai case. They are seeking transparency regarding when prosecutors became aware of these materials and how they were handled during the course of the legal proceedings.
Read more: Conduct Versus Code May Be the Defining Question in Roman Storm Prosecution
The defense team’s efforts to ensure a fair trial for Roman Storm underscore the importance of upholding due process and transparency in legal proceedings involving complex technological issues like cryptocurrency mixers. As the case unfolds, the handling of evidence and information by the DOJ will continue to be scrutinized for any potential misconduct that could impact the outcome of the trial.