The case of Samourai Wallet, a privacy-focused crypto platform, is taking an unexpected turn with new revelations from the defense.
Accusations Against Samourai Wallet
From a legal standpoint, the situation surrounding Samourai Wallet has become significantly more complex. The lawyers for co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Hill assert that federal prosecutors concealed information that could have protected their interests long before charges were filed. They claim that a conversation with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) indicates that the Samourai app did not qualify as a 'Money Services Business.'
Failure to Disclose by Prosecutors
The defense argues that prosecutors were legally obligated to disclose their conversations with FinCEN by May 8, 2024, yet this only occurred a year later—on April 1, 2025. This revelation could dramatically alter the trajectory of the case, which commenced in early 2024 with charges against Rodriguez and Hill for conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business and money laundering conspiracy.
Defense Position and Next Steps
The defense is preparing to renew their motion to dismiss the charges and has requested a hearing to investigate the reasons for the withholding of the FinCEN communication. They argue that without a licensed status under FinCEN's guidance, their clients cannot be prosecuted for not having a license. The judge will now decide whether to grant a hearing and allow the defense to pursue dismissal.
The situation surrounding the Samourai Wallet case continues to evolve, and many are watching how the legal issue surrounding privacy laws and technologies in the cryptocurrency space will be resolved.
