Samourai Wallet Founders Admit to Operating Unlicensed Money Transmitter Amid $237 Million Forfeiture

The creators of the Bitcoin mixing service Samourai Wallet, William Lonergan Hill and Keonne Rodriguez, pleaded guilty to running an unlicensed money transmitting business. They avoided a more severe money laundering charge that could have led to 20 years in prison. The platform, which helped users anonymize cryptocurrency transactions, was shut down in 2024 following accusations of laundering over $100 million and aiding illicit financial activities. The plea includes a $237 million forfeiture and a $400,000 fine, with sentencing set for November. This case highlights ongoing tensions between privacy tools in crypto and law enforcement efforts. Continue to read Samourai Wallet Founders Admit to Operating Unlicensed Money Transmitter Amid $237 Million Forfeiture