Samourai Wallet’s attorneys have claimed that federal prosecutors suppressed critical guidance from the US Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) regarding the necessity of a license for the crypto mixing service before charging its executives. In a submission to a Manhattan federal court, lawyers for co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Hill stated that prosecutors were informed six months prior to the charges that the Samourai Wallet app did not classify as a ‘Money Services Business’ requiring a FinCEN license. Nevertheless, Rodriguez and Hill were charged in February 2024 with operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. The government alleges Samourai facilitated over $2 billion in illegal transactions and hundreds of millions in money laundering. The defense argued they believed they were acting lawfully based on the guidance received. Their lawyers are seeking a hearing to address the government’s delayed disclosure of this information and intend to renew their request to dismiss charges based on the new evidence.

Source 🔗