Ethereum Privacy Concerns Rise as Tornado Cash Developer Faces Legal Hurdles
Roman Storm, co-founder of the Ethereum-based privacy protocol Tornado Cash, has accused the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) of obstructing his ability to prepare a fair defense ahead of a pivotal trial scheduled for July 2025. The DOJ has reportedly rejected five out of six proposed expert witnesses, including prominent blockchain analyst Matthew Edman, while imposing stringent limitations on the sole permitted testimony. This legal battle stems from 2023 sanctions imposed on Tornado Cash, a tool designed to enhance transactional privacy on the Ethereum network. The case has significant implications for the future of privacy-focused technologies in the cryptocurrency space, particularly as Ethereum continues to evolve with its ongoing upgrades. Storm''s allegations highlight growing tensions between regulatory authorities and developers advocating for financial privacy in decentralized ecosystems. As the trial approaches, the cryptocurrency community watches closely, recognizing its potential to set precedents for how privacy tools are treated under U.S. law. This development comes at a time when Ethereum is seeing increased institutional adoption, making the balance between regulatory compliance and technological innovation a critical issue for the network''s future growth.
Tornado Cash Developer Alleges DOJ Obstruction in Fair Trial Preparations
Roman Storm, co-founder of privacy protocol Tornado Cash, claims the U.S. Department of Justice is systematically undermining his defense ahead of a critical July trial. Prosecutors rejected five of six proposed expert witnesses—including blockchain analyst Matthew Edman—while imposing restrictive conditions on the sole permitted testimony.
The case stems from 2023 sanctions against Tornado Cash, which authorities allege facilitated money laundering for North Korean hackers. Storm maintains the non-custodial smart contract cannot be controlled by developers. "They want to bury DeFi," he tweeted, accusing regulators of demanding impossible Know-Your-Customer controls on Immutable code.
DOJ filings dismiss expert analyses of Ethereum''s architecture and privacy tech as irrelevant to sanctions violations. This evidentiary battle could set precedents for developer liability across decentralized finance—particularly for ETH-based protocols.
Ethereum ETF Inflows Signal Institutional Confidence Amid Price Rally
Institutional interest in ethereum has surged, with over $14 billion now locked in ETF products. Analysts view ETF inflows as a critical indicator of market direction, reflecting smart capital positioning for upward momentum. CoinShares reports $296 million in Ethereum product inflows last week—the strongest since the U.S. election—marking seven consecutive weeks of growth.
ETH''s price stability NEAR $2,700 suggests consolidation before a potential breakout. A move above $3,000 could catalyze a short-term rally toward $3,500, with further upside if resistance breaks. Network upgrades and ETF adoption are reinforcing Ethereum''s fundamental strength, aligning with bullish sentiment.
RIMining Offers Limited-Time 20 ETH Reward to New Users
RIMining, a UK-based cryptocurrency cloud mining platform established in 2014, is rolling out a global promotion targeting new users. The initiative promises 20 ETH (~$50,000) in cloud computing rewards for registrants, requiring no hardware investment or technical expertise. The platform claims mobile accessibility for daily mining operations.
With 190 mining farms across 180 countries operating 16 million rigs, RIMining positions itself as a gateway for passive crypto income. The onboarding process involves account creation ($15 signup bonus) and selection of computing power contracts. While emphasizing accessibility, the offer''s sustainability remains unverified amid fluctuating ETH valuations.
Ethereum ETF Inflows Halt After 19-Day Streak as Market Turmoil Weighs on ETH Price
Ethereum exchange-traded funds snapped a record 19-day inflow streak with $2.1 million in net outflows on June 13, signaling a potential cooling of institutional demand. The prior run, which began May 16, had accumulated $1.37 billion—accounting for 35% of total ETH ETF inflows since their July 2024 launch.
The reversal comes as ETH prices retreated 14% from last week''s $2,873 high to $2,467, though trading volumes surged 60% amid broader crypto market volatility. Analysts point to geopolitical tensions following Israel''s strike on Iran as a key catalyst for the pullback.
Despite the pause, industry observers note the $3.87 billion in cumulative ETF inflows demonstrates sustained institutional interest. Market participants now watch for whether regulatory developments can reignite momentum for the second-largest cryptocurrency.
