The Ethereum Foundation (EF) has partnered with Keyring Network to establish a legal defense fund for the developers behind Tornado Cash, Roman Storm and Alexey Pertsev, who have been criminally charged for creating a tool designed for privacy on the blockchain. This initiative aims to protect open-source developers facing potential criminal liability solely for developing tools that enhance digital security. The fund works by offering support through ‘Developer Legal Defense Fund’ vaults integrated with platforms like Avalanche and Ethereum, allowing users to contribute USDC while earning yield and fees generated will go toward legal defense efforts. Users must complete a brief private verification process via Keyring Connect to access these vaults. As of October 10th, 2025, the fund has raised over $22,000 in funds, all designated for Storm’s and Pertsev’s legal defense, as well as general support for the Tornado Cash legal battles.