# Ethereum Foundation Pledges $500K for Roman Storm Appeal

*Author: Lucas Matney*
*Published: Aug 8, 2025*
*Source: https://www.bankless.com/read/ethereum-foundation-pledges-500k-for-roman-storm-appeal*

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The Ethereum Foundation said it will match up to $500,000 in donations to help fund Roman Storm’s appeal after the Tornado Cash co-founder was found guilty of operating an unlicensed money transmission business earlier this week. 

### What’s the Scoop?
- **Matching Funds:** The foundation committed to matching donations up to $500K for Storm’s legal defense. Vitalik Buterin amplified the announcement, saying “privacy is normal, and writing code is not a crime.”
- **Partial Verdict:** A New York jury convicted Storm on one charge while deadlocking on money laundering and sanctions-related counts. His team is preparing an appeal.
- **Potential Stakes:** If Storm loses the appeal, he could face up to five years on the current conviction.
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