Feds deny late disclosure of evidence in Samourai Wallet case
US federal prosecutors have countered claims of evidence suppression in the case against Samourai Wallet co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Hill. They stated that all relevant communications with the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) were disclosed in a timely manner, allowing the defendants seven months to utilize the information before trial. The co-founders had requested a hearing, arguing that prosecutors failed to disclose that FinCEN indicated Samourai would not qualify as a "Money Services Business" requiring a license. Despite this, charges of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business and money laundering were filed in February 2024, with both defendants pleading not guilty. Prosecutors emphasized that the FinCEN representatives' comments were informal opinions and did not provide definitive guidance. They also addressed a memo from the Deputy Attorney General regarding crypto mixers, asserting it should not influence the court's decision as it does not confer rights against the US.
