US prosecutors in the trial of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm have filed a motion to exclude testimony related to alleged crypto kidnappings and torture. They argue such evidence is inflammatory, irrelevant to Storm’s intent, and risks prejudicing the jury against the defendant.
SDNY
Key Takeaways
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Prosecutors filed to preclude testimony about violence and kidnappings tied to cryptocurrency.
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Interim New York Attorney Jay Clayton cited irrelevance and potential jury nullification.
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Defense sought to highlight threats to users’ physical safety as part of privacy-rights arguments.
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Witness Matthew Green was slated to discuss why investors avoid crypto associated with criminal activity.
Background On The Tornado Cash Case
Roman Storm, co-founder and developer of the Tornado Cash mixing service, faces charges of:
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Conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitter
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Conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions
Jury selection began Monday in Manhattan federal court. Opening statements followed, during which Storm’s attorney referenced the alleged physical dangers faced by users.
Government’s Objection To Kidnapping Testimony
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Filing Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
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Filed By: Interim U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton
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Judge: Katherine Failla
Clayton requested that the court bar any witness from testifying about:
• Individuals threatened, harmed or kidnapped for their cryptocurrency holdings
• Activities of violent gangs and “bad actors” targeting crypto users
The motion contends that without a direct link to Storm’s state of mind, such anecdotes are irrelevant and unduly prejudicial.
Defense Strategy And Contested Witness
The defense plans to call cryptography expert Matthew Green to explain why venture capitalists and institutional investors avoid projects tied to illicit activity. Greene’s anticipated testimony includes:
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Case studies of investors’ reputational concerns
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Anecdotes of threats or coercion targeting high-net-worth crypto holders
Prosecutors argue these stories transcend expert analysis and introduce inflammatory material aimed at swaying jurors.
Potential Impact On The Trial
By excluding kidnapping testimony, prosecutors aim to:
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Keep the focus strictly on Storm’s alleged operational role at Tornado Cash
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Prevent emotional appeals unrelated to charged offenses
If the court denies the motion, jurors may hear graphic accounts that could overshadow legal arguments about money laundering and sanctions violations.
Next Steps In Court
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Ruling on the motion is expected within days.
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Prosecutors have already begun calling witnesses, including a Taiwanese crypto investor and a blockchain attorney.
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Upcoming testimony will cover Tornado Cash’s transaction-mixing features and compliance controls.
A decision on the motion could shape the narrative of what is anticipated to be a month-long trial in New York federal court.
Sources
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Roman Storm prosecutors seek to block testimony on crypto kidnappings, PANews.
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Roman Storm Prosecutors Seek To Block Testimony On Crypto Kidnappings, Cointelegraph.
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Prosecutors Seek Ban on Crypto Kidnapping Testimony in Tornado Cash Trial, AInvest.
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