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🚨 Breaking: Samourai Wallet co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill will plead guilty to U.S. charges over their crypto mixing service.
#CryptoNews #SamouraiWallet #Privacy #Bitcoin
#CryptoNews #SamouraiWallet #Privacy #Bitcoin
Keonne Rodriguez, developer of the Bitcoin mixer app Samourai Wallet, has been sentenced to five years in prison for conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitter. He was also fined $250,000 and must surrender on December 19. Samourai Wallet enabled users to mix Bitcoin transactions, obscuring the flow of funds.
#bitcoin #SamouraiWallet #CryptoNews #Write2Earn
#bitcoin #SamouraiWallet #CryptoNews #Write2Earn
Samourai Wallet developer sentenced to five years for operating unlicensed money transmitting business
The developer for the privacy-focused Samourai Wallet who was sentenced to five years in federal prison is co-founder Keonne Rodriguez.
Case Details
Sentencing Date: Keonne Rodriguez was sentenced on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Charge: He pleaded guilty in July 2025 to one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Prosecutors dropped more severe money laundering charges as part of the plea deal.
Sentence: The five-year prison term was the maximum possible sentence for the charge. The judge also imposed a $250,000 fine and ordered him and the other co-founder to forfeit over $237 million in assets tied to the operation.
Allegations: Prosecutors alleged that Rodriguez and his co-founder, William Lonergan Hill, operated a crypto-mixing service called "Whirlpool" that laundered over $237 million in illicit funds from darknet markets, fraud schemes, and other criminal activities between 2015 and 2024.
Co-founder: William Lonergan Hill also pleaded guilty to the same charge and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2025.
Context: The case is part of a broader U.S. government crackdown on cryptocurrency privacy tools, with the Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm also recently convicted on similar charges.
Rodriguez's lawyers requested leniency, arguing that he is a family man who used his coding skills to help victims recover stolen funds, and did not initially intend for the software to be used for criminal purposes. However, the prosecution successfully argued for the maximum sentence, citing evidence that the developers were aware of and even encouraged criminal use of their service.
#SamouraiWallet
#CryptoPrivacy
#MoneyLaundering
#CryptoRegulations
#KeonneRodriguez
The developer for the privacy-focused Samourai Wallet who was sentenced to five years in federal prison is co-founder Keonne Rodriguez.
Case Details
Sentencing Date: Keonne Rodriguez was sentenced on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Charge: He pleaded guilty in July 2025 to one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Prosecutors dropped more severe money laundering charges as part of the plea deal.
Sentence: The five-year prison term was the maximum possible sentence for the charge. The judge also imposed a $250,000 fine and ordered him and the other co-founder to forfeit over $237 million in assets tied to the operation.
Allegations: Prosecutors alleged that Rodriguez and his co-founder, William Lonergan Hill, operated a crypto-mixing service called "Whirlpool" that laundered over $237 million in illicit funds from darknet markets, fraud schemes, and other criminal activities between 2015 and 2024.
Co-founder: William Lonergan Hill also pleaded guilty to the same charge and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2025.
Context: The case is part of a broader U.S. government crackdown on cryptocurrency privacy tools, with the Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm also recently convicted on similar charges.
Rodriguez's lawyers requested leniency, arguing that he is a family man who used his coding skills to help victims recover stolen funds, and did not initially intend for the software to be used for criminal purposes. However, the prosecution successfully argued for the maximum sentence, citing evidence that the developers were aware of and even encouraged criminal use of their service.
#SamouraiWallet
#CryptoPrivacy
#MoneyLaundering
#CryptoRegulations
#KeonneRodriguez
🔥 $BTC Dev Jailed for Building a Wallet — Not Even a Rug 😭
Unbelievable but true — Bitcoin developer Keonne Rodriguez just got 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine... for writing privacy code. 💻
He didn’t rug anyone.
He didn’t dump a token.
He didn’t launch a meme coin with “Revolution” in the name. 🚫
All he did was build Samourai Wallet — a Bitcoin privacy app designed to help users move their funds quietly and securely. 🕵️♂️
But that “quiet” just got him locked up. 😔
💭 Think about it:
Building privacy tools — not scams, not rugs — is now treated like a bigger crime than dumping a coin on holders.
Samourai was never about crime. It was about financial freedom and control — the kind that makes authorities uncomfortable. ⚡
Now every crypto dev is wondering:
> “Should I just build a meme coin instead?” 😅
📉 The Real Impact:
Fewer privacy tools.
More fear in the dev community.
Regulators getting louder while builders play safe.
Bitcoin was born as freedom from the system...
But right now, it feels like the system’s winning — and privacy is doing jail time. 🕊️
@黄粱一梦 @加密贝姐
#BTC #SamouraiWallet #CryptoNews #PrivacyMatters #CryptoRegulation
Unbelievable but true — Bitcoin developer Keonne Rodriguez just got 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine... for writing privacy code. 💻
He didn’t rug anyone.
He didn’t dump a token.
He didn’t launch a meme coin with “Revolution” in the name. 🚫
All he did was build Samourai Wallet — a Bitcoin privacy app designed to help users move their funds quietly and securely. 🕵️♂️
But that “quiet” just got him locked up. 😔
💭 Think about it:
Building privacy tools — not scams, not rugs — is now treated like a bigger crime than dumping a coin on holders.
Samourai was never about crime. It was about financial freedom and control — the kind that makes authorities uncomfortable. ⚡
Now every crypto dev is wondering:
> “Should I just build a meme coin instead?” 😅
📉 The Real Impact:
Fewer privacy tools.
More fear in the dev community.
Regulators getting louder while builders play safe.
Bitcoin was born as freedom from the system...
But right now, it feels like the system’s winning — and privacy is doing jail time. 🕊️
@黄粱一梦 @加密贝姐
#BTC #SamouraiWallet #CryptoNews #PrivacyMatters #CryptoRegulation
See original
The founders of Samourai Wallet have been charged with intentional money laundering
Co-founders of the Samourai Wallet cryptocurrency wallet, Keonn Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill, "repeatedly incited, encouraged, and urged criminals" to use their platform to conceal illegal funds. This was stated by U.S. prosecutors in a sentencing memorandum.
Authorities claim that the defendants intentionally created and promoted a cryptomixer in criminal circles for personal gain.
Authorities claim that the defendants intentionally created and promoted a cryptomixer in criminal circles for personal gain.
See original
⚖️ The co-founders of #SamouraiWallet receive sentences of 4 and 5 years in prison
🚨 The Department of Justice sentenced the co-founders of Samourai Wallet to four and five years for operating an unlicensed money transmission business, despite being a non-custodial service.
🔍 The prosecution argued that the CoinJoin mixer of the wallet also counted as money transmission under federal law.
$BTC $XRP $SOL
🚨 The Department of Justice sentenced the co-founders of Samourai Wallet to four and five years for operating an unlicensed money transmission business, despite being a non-custodial service.
🔍 The prosecution argued that the CoinJoin mixer of the wallet also counted as money transmission under federal law.
$BTC $XRP $SOL
🚨 JUST IN: Crypto advocacy groups urge U.S. court to dismiss case against Bitcoin mixer Samourai Wallet.
🧑⚖️ Groups like Blockchain Association, Coin Center, DeFi Education Fund & Bitcoin Policy Institute argue Samourai merely enabled private transactions, not illegal activity. However, a federal judge rejected their amicus briefs this week.
U.S. authorities previously shut down Samourai and arrested its devs, claiming it operated an "unlicensed money transmitting business" used by criminals.
#SamouraiWallet #bitcoin #Privacy #Cryptolaw #CryptoNewss
🧑⚖️ Groups like Blockchain Association, Coin Center, DeFi Education Fund & Bitcoin Policy Institute argue Samourai merely enabled private transactions, not illegal activity. However, a federal judge rejected their amicus briefs this week.
U.S. authorities previously shut down Samourai and arrested its devs, claiming it operated an "unlicensed money transmitting business" used by criminals.
#SamouraiWallet #bitcoin #Privacy #Cryptolaw #CryptoNewss
"$BTC Mixer Co-Founder Sentenced to 4 Years: Shocking Twist in the Samourai Wallet Case!" 🚨
Bill Hill, co-founder of the infamous Samourai Wallet, sentenced to 4 years in prison ⚖️
The 67-year-old was convicted for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business 💼💰
Samourai Wallet: A Bitcoin mixing tool that helps users maintain privacy by obfuscating transaction origins 🔒
The tool has been linked to laundering $237 million in criminal proceeds 💸
Hill’s autism diagnosis and age were cited as mitigating factors in his reduced sentence 🎗️
His defense argued that $BTC was a "freedom tool" 🛠️, but his autistic thinking led him to believe his actions were legal 🤔
The court rejected the idea that Hill didn’t know right from wrong, despite his claims of “magical thinking” ✨
Hill apologized in court, taking full responsibility for his actions 🙏
In addition to prison time, Hill faces 3 years of supervised release and a $250k fine 💵
A stunning twist: Hill's 3-month Portuguese prison stint may count toward his sentence ⏳
Portuguese authorities arrested Hill last year, and he was held for 3 months before being extradited to the U.S. 🇵🇹 He claimed the experience was incredibly difficult due to his sensitivity and autism, making the forced socialization in prison “torture” for him 🏚️
#BTC $BTC #SamouraiWallet
Bill Hill, co-founder of the infamous Samourai Wallet, sentenced to 4 years in prison ⚖️
The 67-year-old was convicted for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business 💼💰
Samourai Wallet: A Bitcoin mixing tool that helps users maintain privacy by obfuscating transaction origins 🔒
The tool has been linked to laundering $237 million in criminal proceeds 💸
Hill’s autism diagnosis and age were cited as mitigating factors in his reduced sentence 🎗️
His defense argued that $BTC was a "freedom tool" 🛠️, but his autistic thinking led him to believe his actions were legal 🤔
The court rejected the idea that Hill didn’t know right from wrong, despite his claims of “magical thinking” ✨
Hill apologized in court, taking full responsibility for his actions 🙏
In addition to prison time, Hill faces 3 years of supervised release and a $250k fine 💵
A stunning twist: Hill's 3-month Portuguese prison stint may count toward his sentence ⏳
Portuguese authorities arrested Hill last year, and he was held for 3 months before being extradited to the U.S. 🇵🇹 He claimed the experience was incredibly difficult due to his sensitivity and autism, making the forced socialization in prison “torture” for him 🏚️
#BTC $BTC #SamouraiWallet
Samourai Wallet Founders Face Up to Five Years in Prison for Money Laundering via Crypto Mixer
U.S. federal prosecutors are seeking maximum sentences for the founders of Samourai Wallet, who have admitted to running an unlicensed money transmission business and facilitating the laundering of hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit funds.
Samourai Founders Under Fire
Founders William Lonergan Hill and Keonne Rodriguez have pleaded guilty in a case that has become a symbol of the clash between privacy and regulation in crypto. According to U.S. prosecutors, the pair actively promoted their wallet to criminals on the darknet, fully aware that it was being used to conceal illegal transactions.
Documents filed with the Southern District of New York describe how the duo “repeatedly encouraged and invited criminals” to use Samourai Wallet, turning the platform into a “safe haven for money laundering and sanctions evasion.”
Evidence cited by prosecutors includes a 2018 WhatsApp message in which Rodriguez described the wallet’s mixing feature as “money laundering for Bitcoin.” Hill allegedly promoted the Whirlpool service on darknet forums, claiming it could help users “clean dirty BTC” and make their transactions “untraceable.”
Over $6 Million in Fees
Investigators say Samourai Wallet earned more than $6.3 million (roughly 246 BTC) in fees from its mixing services between 2015 and 2024. With Bitcoin’s surge in value, those coins are now worth around $27 million.
Prosecutors allege that these funds were tied to drug trafficking, cyberattacks, child exploitation materials, murder-for-hire schemes, and other illicit activities. Both founders, they claim, knew exactly how their tools were being used by criminals.
Prosecutors Seek Maximum Sentence
Federal prosecutors are urging the court to impose the full five-year sentence for conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmission business under 18 USC § 371.
The probation office has recommended a lighter punishment — 42 months in prison each — but the final decision rests with the judge.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 6 for Rodriguez and November 7 for Hill in the Southern District of New York.
How It All Began
U.S. authorities shut down Samourai Wallet in April 2024, accusing it of facilitating unlicensed money transfers and helping criminals launder illicit proceeds through its privacy features.
Rodriguez was arrested in the United States, while Hill was detained in Portugal and later extradited to face trial in the U.S. Both men pleaded guilty in July 2025, setting the stage for this week’s sentencing.
The Samourai Wallet case has become a landmark in the ongoing debate over where privacy ends and criminal conduct begins. The upcoming verdict is expected to shape how U.S. regulators approach developers of privacy wallets and crypto mixers going forward.
#bitcoin , #Cryptolaw , #crypto , #Regulation , #SamouraiWallet
Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“
Samourai Founders Under Fire
Founders William Lonergan Hill and Keonne Rodriguez have pleaded guilty in a case that has become a symbol of the clash between privacy and regulation in crypto. According to U.S. prosecutors, the pair actively promoted their wallet to criminals on the darknet, fully aware that it was being used to conceal illegal transactions.
Documents filed with the Southern District of New York describe how the duo “repeatedly encouraged and invited criminals” to use Samourai Wallet, turning the platform into a “safe haven for money laundering and sanctions evasion.”
Evidence cited by prosecutors includes a 2018 WhatsApp message in which Rodriguez described the wallet’s mixing feature as “money laundering for Bitcoin.” Hill allegedly promoted the Whirlpool service on darknet forums, claiming it could help users “clean dirty BTC” and make their transactions “untraceable.”
Over $6 Million in Fees
Investigators say Samourai Wallet earned more than $6.3 million (roughly 246 BTC) in fees from its mixing services between 2015 and 2024. With Bitcoin’s surge in value, those coins are now worth around $27 million.
Prosecutors allege that these funds were tied to drug trafficking, cyberattacks, child exploitation materials, murder-for-hire schemes, and other illicit activities. Both founders, they claim, knew exactly how their tools were being used by criminals.
Prosecutors Seek Maximum Sentence
Federal prosecutors are urging the court to impose the full five-year sentence for conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmission business under 18 USC § 371.
The probation office has recommended a lighter punishment — 42 months in prison each — but the final decision rests with the judge.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 6 for Rodriguez and November 7 for Hill in the Southern District of New York.
How It All Began
U.S. authorities shut down Samourai Wallet in April 2024, accusing it of facilitating unlicensed money transfers and helping criminals launder illicit proceeds through its privacy features.
Rodriguez was arrested in the United States, while Hill was detained in Portugal and later extradited to face trial in the U.S. Both men pleaded guilty in July 2025, setting the stage for this week’s sentencing.
The Samourai Wallet case has become a landmark in the ongoing debate over where privacy ends and criminal conduct begins. The upcoming verdict is expected to shape how U.S. regulators approach developers of privacy wallets and crypto mixers going forward.
#bitcoin , #Cryptolaw , #crypto , #Regulation , #SamouraiWallet
Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“
Guardians of Bitcoin Live - Nov 20th - Block Height: 924416
And today’s news:
🔶#BitcoinBoxing is canceled before #bitcoinmenaconf ; new event soon!
🔶#SamouraiWallet co-founder William Hill gets 4 years in a major privacy case.
🔶ADIC triples #blackRock IBIT stake to $\sim$$520M.
🔶#MezoNetwork & #Anchorage launch 1% BTC-backed loans with BTC rewards.
🔶Jack Abramoff avoids jail in the fake “AML Bitcoin” scam.
🔶Mt. Gox moves 10,423 BTC—its first big transfer in 8 months.
Tune in tomorrow for more Bitcoin-only news! 👇
And today’s news:
🔶#BitcoinBoxing is canceled before #bitcoinmenaconf ; new event soon!
🔶#SamouraiWallet co-founder William Hill gets 4 years in a major privacy case.
🔶ADIC triples #blackRock IBIT stake to $\sim$$520M.
🔶#MezoNetwork & #Anchorage launch 1% BTC-backed loans with BTC rewards.
🔶Jack Abramoff avoids jail in the fake “AML Bitcoin” scam.
🔶Mt. Gox moves 10,423 BTC—its first big transfer in 8 months.
Tune in tomorrow for more Bitcoin-only news! 👇
See original
🔥 $BTC Developer Sent to Prison for Building a Wallet... Not Even a Rug 😭
A Bitcoin dev named Keonne Rodriguez didn't scam anyone.
Didn't rug a project. Didn't even launch a meme coin with "Revolution" in the name.
He just built Samourai Wallet — a privacy app that mixed Bitcoin so users could move funds quietly.
But guess what? That 'quiet' just got him 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
So yeah... apparently, writing privacy code is now a bigger crime than dumping a token on your holders.
This hits deep — because Samourai wasn't about crime, it was about control. The kind people don't like to lose.
And now every crypto dev is like: "Wait... should I just build a meme coin instead?" 😅
The real impact?
Fewer privacy tools, more fear in the dev space. Everyone will play safe, while the regulators get louder.
Bitcoin started as freedom from the system.
But right now... the system's winning, and privacy's doing jail time.
$GIGGLE $SAPIEN #AltcoinMarketRecovery #CPIWatch #MarketPullback #CryptoScamSurge #MeowAlert
A Bitcoin dev named Keonne Rodriguez didn't scam anyone.
Didn't rug a project. Didn't even launch a meme coin with "Revolution" in the name.
He just built Samourai Wallet — a privacy app that mixed Bitcoin so users could move funds quietly.
But guess what? That 'quiet' just got him 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
So yeah... apparently, writing privacy code is now a bigger crime than dumping a token on your holders.
This hits deep — because Samourai wasn't about crime, it was about control. The kind people don't like to lose.
And now every crypto dev is like: "Wait... should I just build a meme coin instead?" 😅
The real impact?
Fewer privacy tools, more fear in the dev space. Everyone will play safe, while the regulators get louder.
Bitcoin started as freedom from the system.
But right now... the system's winning, and privacy's doing jail time.
$GIGGLE $SAPIEN #AltcoinMarketRecovery #CPIWatch #MarketPullback #CryptoScamSurge #MeowAlert
🔥🚨 “BRADY VIOLATION!” SAMOURAI WALLET LAWYERS DEMAND DISMISSAL 🚨🔥
⚖️ Suppressed Evidence: Defense reveals FinCEN told prosecutors in Aug 2023 that Samourai Wallet doesn’t qualify as a money transmitter—six months before charges were filed.
🤯 Hidden from Court: SDNY prosecutors didn’t disclose this FinCEN guidance until April 1, 2025, despite a specific Brady request for exculpatory info.
🚨 Brady Violation Alert: Under Brady v. Maryland, withholding evidence that could exonerate defendants is a due-process breach—often grounds for total case dismissal .
🏛️ Prejudice to Defendants: This suppression impacted bail decisions (Rodriguez home confinement) and blocked immediate motions to dismiss after arraignment.
📄 Blanche Memo Leverage: Lawyers also cite the April Blanche Memo, which instructs DOJ to drop crypto regulatory prosecutions—adding political fire to their dismissal call.
⚔️ Prosecution Stalled: Despite a defense meeting on April 10, the DOJ has not yet decided whether to drop charges—leaving co-founders in limbo.
🧑⚖️ Court Precedent: Recall Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter case was thrown out mid-trial over a Brady violation—Samourai’s team argues the same due process compels dismissal.
⚙️ Policy Clash: The case pits FinCEN’s 2013 wallet guidance (wallet devs not money transmitters) against an aggressive DOJ stance—“regulation by enforcement” warned Coin Center last year.
👥 Developer Impact: Co-founders Rodriguez & Hill face up to 25 years in prison; their first joint court appearance underscored the stakes for non-custodial wallet builders.
🌐 Industry Eye: A dismissal would be a massive victory for privacy tech and mixers, following Tornado Cash’s sanction delisting this March—crypto’s right to innovate under scrutiny.
🔁 REPOST if you back Samourai’s fight for due process!
👀 FOLLOW@Block Insider for live updates on this landmark crypto-justice showdown.
$BNB $PARTI $ICX
#SamouraiWallet #BradyViolation #CryptoPrivacy #DOJ
⚖️ Suppressed Evidence: Defense reveals FinCEN told prosecutors in Aug 2023 that Samourai Wallet doesn’t qualify as a money transmitter—six months before charges were filed.
🤯 Hidden from Court: SDNY prosecutors didn’t disclose this FinCEN guidance until April 1, 2025, despite a specific Brady request for exculpatory info.
🚨 Brady Violation Alert: Under Brady v. Maryland, withholding evidence that could exonerate defendants is a due-process breach—often grounds for total case dismissal .
🏛️ Prejudice to Defendants: This suppression impacted bail decisions (Rodriguez home confinement) and blocked immediate motions to dismiss after arraignment.
📄 Blanche Memo Leverage: Lawyers also cite the April Blanche Memo, which instructs DOJ to drop crypto regulatory prosecutions—adding political fire to their dismissal call.
⚔️ Prosecution Stalled: Despite a defense meeting on April 10, the DOJ has not yet decided whether to drop charges—leaving co-founders in limbo.
🧑⚖️ Court Precedent: Recall Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter case was thrown out mid-trial over a Brady violation—Samourai’s team argues the same due process compels dismissal.
⚙️ Policy Clash: The case pits FinCEN’s 2013 wallet guidance (wallet devs not money transmitters) against an aggressive DOJ stance—“regulation by enforcement” warned Coin Center last year.
👥 Developer Impact: Co-founders Rodriguez & Hill face up to 25 years in prison; their first joint court appearance underscored the stakes for non-custodial wallet builders.
🌐 Industry Eye: A dismissal would be a massive victory for privacy tech and mixers, following Tornado Cash’s sanction delisting this March—crypto’s right to innovate under scrutiny.
🔁 REPOST if you back Samourai’s fight for due process!
👀 FOLLOW@Block Insider for live updates on this landmark crypto-justice showdown.
$BNB $PARTI $ICX
#SamouraiWallet #BradyViolation #CryptoPrivacy #DOJ
See original
Two founders of Samourai Wallet face 5 years in prison
The two founders of the Bitcoin mixing wallet Samourai Wallet, William Lonergan Hill and Keonne Rodriguez, have pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Accordingly, they could face a sentence of up to 5 years in prison.
Context and legal consequences
Initially, both developers pleaded not guilty, but later changed their pleas. In exchange, the U.S. Department of Justice (#DOJ ) agreed to drop the more serious money laundering charges, which could have led to a 20-year sentence.
The DOJ and FBI shut down the platform #SamouraiWallet last year and arrested the two founders, accusing them of knowing that the platform was used by criminals to launder money but ignoring it. According to prosecutors, the application laundered over 100 million USD in illegal funds. Although lawyers and some organizations argue that wanting to trade privately on-chain is normal, the guilty plea helped the DOJ avoid the risk of losing a lawsuit.
This case comes amid the trial of the co-founder of the Tornado Cash privacy protocol also nearing its conclusion. Hill and Rodriguez will be sentenced on November 6, a significant milestone in the U.S. government's legal battle against cryptocurrency privacy services.
The two founders of the Bitcoin mixing wallet Samourai Wallet, William Lonergan Hill and Keonne Rodriguez, have pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Accordingly, they could face a sentence of up to 5 years in prison.
Context and legal consequences
Initially, both developers pleaded not guilty, but later changed their pleas. In exchange, the U.S. Department of Justice (#DOJ ) agreed to drop the more serious money laundering charges, which could have led to a 20-year sentence.
The DOJ and FBI shut down the platform #SamouraiWallet last year and arrested the two founders, accusing them of knowing that the platform was used by criminals to launder money but ignoring it. According to prosecutors, the application laundered over 100 million USD in illegal funds. Although lawyers and some organizations argue that wanting to trade privately on-chain is normal, the guilty plea helped the DOJ avoid the risk of losing a lawsuit.
This case comes amid the trial of the co-founder of the Tornado Cash privacy protocol also nearing its conclusion. Hill and Rodriguez will be sentenced on November 6, a significant milestone in the U.S. government's legal battle against cryptocurrency privacy services.
See original
🔥 Bitcoin developer sent to prison... just for a wallet!
Yes, you are not joking. Keonne Rodriguez is not a scammer, did not launch a meme coin, did not deceive anyone.
He just made Samourai Wallet — so users could quietly and safely transfer Bitcoin.
💥 And what? For this — 5 years in prison + $250,000 fine 😭
So now writing code for privacy is more dangerous than launching a token on gullible investors 😂
Samourai is not about crimes. It’s about control. Control that the system is afraid to lose.
And now all crypto developers:
“Maybe just a meme coin? 😅”
⚡ Consequences:
Fewer private wallets
More fear among developers
Everyone plays it safe while regulators tighten up
Bitcoin started as freedom. Now freedom is behind bars.
💬 Would you risk creating a wallet for privacy?
#Bitcoin #CryptoPrivacy #SamouraiWallet #DeFi! #CryptoFreedom #CryptoNews #ShockingCrypto
Yes, you are not joking. Keonne Rodriguez is not a scammer, did not launch a meme coin, did not deceive anyone.
He just made Samourai Wallet — so users could quietly and safely transfer Bitcoin.
💥 And what? For this — 5 years in prison + $250,000 fine 😭
So now writing code for privacy is more dangerous than launching a token on gullible investors 😂
Samourai is not about crimes. It’s about control. Control that the system is afraid to lose.
And now all crypto developers:
“Maybe just a meme coin? 😅”
⚡ Consequences:
Fewer private wallets
More fear among developers
Everyone plays it safe while regulators tighten up
Bitcoin started as freedom. Now freedom is behind bars.
💬 Would you risk creating a wallet for privacy?
#Bitcoin #CryptoPrivacy #SamouraiWallet #DeFi! #CryptoFreedom #CryptoNews #ShockingCrypto
#SamouraiWallet CTO William Hill Sentenced to Four Years in Prison _ The #developer will serve 48 months for running an unlicensed money transmitter, after his #CoFounder received five years earlier this month.
"Disclaimer _ Source: Binance News / Bitdegree / Coindesk / Coinmarketcap / Cointelegraph / #Decrypt & do support by follow, like, comment, share, repost to reach maximum audience, more such informative content ahead"
"Disclaimer _ Source: Binance News / Bitdegree / Coindesk / Coinmarketcap / Cointelegraph / #Decrypt & do support by follow, like, comment, share, repost to reach maximum audience, more such informative content ahead"
$BTC Developer Sent to Prison for Building a Wallet... Not Even a Rug 😭
A Bitcoin dev named Keonne Rodriguez didn’t scam anyone.
Didn’t rug a project. Didn’t even launch a meme coin with “Revolution” in the name.
He just built Samourai Wallet — a privacy app that mixed Bitcoin so users could move funds quietly.
But guess what? That “quiet” just got him 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 😔
So yeah... apparently, writing privacy code is now a bigger crime than dumping a token on your holders.
This one hits deep — because Samourai wasn’t about crime.
It was about control, the kind people in power don’t like to lose.
Now every crypto dev is thinking:
💭 “Should I even build privacy tools anymore?”
💭 “Or just drop a meme coin and stay safe?” 😅
The real impact?
⚠️ Fewer privacy tools.
⚠️ More fear in the dev space.
⚠️ And a louder system that’s slowly winning.
Bitcoin started as freedom from the system...
But right now, the system’s winning — and privacy’s doing jail time. 🕊️
#Bitcoin #CryptoNews #SamouraiWallet
A Bitcoin dev named Keonne Rodriguez didn’t scam anyone.
Didn’t rug a project. Didn’t even launch a meme coin with “Revolution” in the name.
He just built Samourai Wallet — a privacy app that mixed Bitcoin so users could move funds quietly.
But guess what? That “quiet” just got him 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 😔
So yeah... apparently, writing privacy code is now a bigger crime than dumping a token on your holders.
This one hits deep — because Samourai wasn’t about crime.
It was about control, the kind people in power don’t like to lose.
Now every crypto dev is thinking:
💭 “Should I even build privacy tools anymore?”
💭 “Or just drop a meme coin and stay safe?” 😅
The real impact?
⚠️ Fewer privacy tools.
⚠️ More fear in the dev space.
⚠️ And a louder system that’s slowly winning.
Bitcoin started as freedom from the system...
But right now, the system’s winning — and privacy’s doing jail time. 🕊️
#Bitcoin #CryptoNews #SamouraiWallet
🚨 SAMOURAI WALLET LEGAL DRAMA! 🚨
🔹 What Happened: Prosecutors tell a federal court that Samourai Wallet’s delay in handing over FinCEN Suspicious Activity Reports does not constitute a Brady violation—meaning the government believes they met their disclosure obligations.
🔹 Charges & Context: Samourai Wallet founders face conspiracy charges for allegedly aiding unlicensed money transmission and laundering activities via their privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet.
🔹 Defense Pushback: The defense argued that delayed FinCEN documents hampered their ability to build a fair case, but prosecutors maintain any tardiness was “ministerial” and didn’t prejudice the defense.
🔹 What’s at Stake: A ruling here could set precedent for how and when governments must share internal compliance records with defendants—critical for all privacy-tech cases moving forward.
💬 Your Take: Does this ruling protect critical government oversight or pave the way for unchecked prosecutorial power? Drop your hot takes below!
🔁 REPOST to set the Square algorithm ablaze—let’s fuel this debate on privacy vs. prosecution!
@Block Insider
#SamouraiWallet #CryptoPrivacy #Cryptolaw #BinanceSquare #BTC
$PNUT $PYTH $PEPE
🔹 What Happened: Prosecutors tell a federal court that Samourai Wallet’s delay in handing over FinCEN Suspicious Activity Reports does not constitute a Brady violation—meaning the government believes they met their disclosure obligations.
🔹 Charges & Context: Samourai Wallet founders face conspiracy charges for allegedly aiding unlicensed money transmission and laundering activities via their privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet.
🔹 Defense Pushback: The defense argued that delayed FinCEN documents hampered their ability to build a fair case, but prosecutors maintain any tardiness was “ministerial” and didn’t prejudice the defense.
🔹 What’s at Stake: A ruling here could set precedent for how and when governments must share internal compliance records with defendants—critical for all privacy-tech cases moving forward.
💬 Your Take: Does this ruling protect critical government oversight or pave the way for unchecked prosecutorial power? Drop your hot takes below!
🔁 REPOST to set the Square algorithm ablaze—let’s fuel this debate on privacy vs. prosecution!
@Block Insider
#SamouraiWallet #CryptoPrivacy #Cryptolaw #BinanceSquare #BTC
$PNUT $PYTH $PEPE
🔥 BREAKING: DOJ May Drop Samourai Wallet Charges Amid Crypto Policy Shift 🔥
In a stunning turn, U.S. prosecutors and Samourai Wallet founders have jointly requested a delay in court proceedings as they consider dropping charges against the privacy-focused crypto wallet. This development follows a significant policy shift by the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding cryptocurrency enforcement.
⚖️ What's Happening?
Samourai Wallet co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Hill were indicted in April 2024 on charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. The DOJ alleged that the platform facilitated over $2 billion in unlawful transactions and laundered more than $100 million in criminal proceeds.
However, in April 2025, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a memo disbanding the DOJ’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team and signaling a retreat from prosecuting crypto-related cases that do not involve investor harm or clear criminal activity. This policy shift has led both prosecutors and the defense team to reconsider the necessity of the charges.
🔄 What Does This Mean?
If the charges are dropped, it could set a precedent for how privacy-focused crypto tools are treated under U.S. law. It may also signal a broader shift towards a more lenient regulatory environment for the crypto industry, focusing enforcement efforts on cases involving direct criminal harm rather than on the developers of privacy-enhancing technologies.
📈 Market Impact
The potential dismissal of these charges could have significant implications for the cryptocurrency market, particularly for privacy coins and services. A more favorable regulatory stance may encourage innovation and investment in privacy-focused blockchain technologies.
Stay tuned as this story develops at @Block Insider
#CryptoPrivacy #SamouraiWallet #DOJPolicyShift #BinanceAlphaAlert #AirdropStepByStep
In a stunning turn, U.S. prosecutors and Samourai Wallet founders have jointly requested a delay in court proceedings as they consider dropping charges against the privacy-focused crypto wallet. This development follows a significant policy shift by the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding cryptocurrency enforcement.
⚖️ What's Happening?
Samourai Wallet co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Hill were indicted in April 2024 on charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. The DOJ alleged that the platform facilitated over $2 billion in unlawful transactions and laundered more than $100 million in criminal proceeds.
However, in April 2025, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a memo disbanding the DOJ’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team and signaling a retreat from prosecuting crypto-related cases that do not involve investor harm or clear criminal activity. This policy shift has led both prosecutors and the defense team to reconsider the necessity of the charges.
🔄 What Does This Mean?
If the charges are dropped, it could set a precedent for how privacy-focused crypto tools are treated under U.S. law. It may also signal a broader shift towards a more lenient regulatory environment for the crypto industry, focusing enforcement efforts on cases involving direct criminal harm rather than on the developers of privacy-enhancing technologies.
📈 Market Impact
The potential dismissal of these charges could have significant implications for the cryptocurrency market, particularly for privacy coins and services. A more favorable regulatory stance may encourage innovation and investment in privacy-focused blockchain technologies.
Stay tuned as this story develops at @Block Insider
#CryptoPrivacy #SamouraiWallet #DOJPolicyShift #BinanceAlphaAlert #AirdropStepByStep
🚨 UPDATE: Samourai Wallet co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill will now plead guilty to US charges related to their crypto mixing service. 🏛️💼
#CryptoNews #SamouraiWallet #USCharges #CryptoMixing
#CryptoNews #SamouraiWallet #USCharges #CryptoMixing
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