GoFundMe canceled the crowdfunding campaign for the Tornado Cash legal battle, citing a violation of its terms of service. All donations to the fundraiser were returned to their original donors.
GoFundMe, an American crowdfunding platform, has canceled a fundraiser aimed at collecting legal fees for Roman Storm, co-founder of the controversial cryptocurrency mixer Tornado Cash, and its developer, Alexey Pertsev.
Storm released a video on Jan. 22 asking community members to help fund legal fees for its court battle against US authorities for allegedly facilitating to bypass of US sanctions.
2024 is the year that will define the rest of my life.
Honestly, I’m scared. But also hopeful that this community cares with a passion.
Please donate towards my legal defense.https://t.co/dQ7SCBesIm pic.twitter.com/0jeievSUxc— Roman S (@rstormsf) January 22, 2024
While the Tornado Cash duo began receiving donations from supporters, GoFundMe canceled the fundraiser on February 14, citing a violation of their terms of service, specifically Term 22. It suggests that “GoFundMe, its employees, or Users may be exposed to any harm or liability of any type” as a result of the Tornado Cash fundraiser for legal fees.
The money we sent to @rstormsf was cancelled by @gofundme – they shut it down.
I thought this might happen but am still surprised.
Good thing we have an uncensorable money system so we can still fund civil liberties like the right to a fair trial.
Resending $10k with crypto. https://t.co/5Ud4ELiaK5 pic.twitter.com/glRXwtXPBw
— RYAN SΞAN ADAMS – rsa.eth (@RyanSAdams) February 15, 2024
The GoFundMe fundraiser was canceled, and many donors—including Ryan Adams of Bankless Ventures—had their donations reimbursed. He said:
