Samourai Wallet says feds hid advice that crypto mixer was in the clear
Samourai Wallet's lawyers claim federal prosecutors withheld information indicating that the firm did not require a license before charging its executives. A letter to a Manhattan federal court revealed that FinCEN had informed prosecutors six months prior to the charges that Samourai Wallet did not qualify as a "Money Services Business." Despite this, prosecutors charged co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Hill in February 2024 with operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and money laundering. The lawyers argue that prosecutors failed to disclose discussions with FinCEN within the required timeframe, only revealing this information in April 2025. They plan to request a hearing regarding the late disclosure and intend to seek dismissal of the charges, asserting they acted lawfully based on FinCEN's guidance. The Justice Department has indicated a shift in its approach to prosecuting crypto mixers, which may influence the case's outcome.
