The case of Roman Storm, creator of Tornado Cash, has become a pivotal moment for crypto privacy and developer rights. Facing 45 years in prison for writing code that enables anonymous transactions, Storm’s legal battle challenges the boundaries of free speech, financial privacy, and government overreach. This article delves into his journey from a Russian immigrant to a key figure in blockchain innovation, the ethical dilemmas of neutral technology, and what his trial means for the future of decentralized finance. A must-read for anyone invested in digital freedom.