Roman Storm’s Defense Questions DOJ on Potential Withheld Evidence

1 min

Roman Storm's defense team is seeking information from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding potential withheld evidence that could benefit his case. Key points include:

  • The defense claims that the DOJ has had exculpatory materials since August 2023 relevant to whether a noncustodial cryptocurrency mixer qualifies as a 'money transmitting business' under 18 U.S.C. § 1960.
  • They argue that the government's failure to disclose these materials constitutes a Brady violation, harming Storm’s defense.
  • This situation is linked to another case involving Samourai Wallet developers, where prosecutors allegedly delayed sharing that FinCEN officials believed the mixer did not appear to be a money transmitter.
  • The DOJ refutes allegations of misconduct, asserting their disclosures were timely and that the FinCEN officials’ opinions were not formal guidance.
  • The defense contends both cases share a critical issue regarding the noncustodial nature of the protocols involved.
  • Storm's team requests Judge Katherine Polk Failla to mandate a review of any helpful materials by the DOJ and to disclose documents related to the Samourai case.