Coin Center is Considering Filing an Amicus Brief in Support of Samourai Wallet Co-Founders
The nonprofit crypto advocacy group Coin Center is contemplating whether to file an amicus brief in support of the co-founders of the crypto mixer Samourai Wallet. Last week, authorities arrested Samourai Wallet co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill for allegedly operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business that executed more than $2 billion in unlawful transactions. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) also alleges Samourai laundered more than $100 million worth of criminal proceeds.
Questionable Charges
- Coin Center’s executive director Jerry Brito says the indictment “includes some questionable charges.”
Possible Amicus Brief
- When asked on the social media platform X, whether Coin Center planned to file an amicus brief in support of the mixer, Brito notes that they are considering it.
- Brito mentions that they filed in the Tornado Cash indictment and may do so here as well.
An amicus brief is a legal document filed in court by a non-involved party in a case. Written by “friends of the court,” the briefs aim to contain additional information or arguments that can assist the court in making its decision.
Tornado Cash Case
- Tornado Cash is an Ethereum (ETH)-based coin mixing system that helps users conceal their digital assets.
- The US sanctioned the project in 2022 for national security purposes.
- One of its founders, Roman Storm, was arrested last year and charged with money laundering and sanctions violations.
Hot Take: Coin Center Stands with Samourai Wallet
If you are a supporter of financial privacy and decentralized technologies, Coin Center’s potential amicus brief to support the Samourai Wallet co-founders is a significant development. The case underscores the importance of defending innovation and privacy rights in the cryptocurrency space.
**Sources:**
– [US Department of Justice – Founders of Cryptocurrency Mixing Service Arrested and Charged with Money Laundering](https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/founders-and-ceo-cryptocurrency-mixing-service-arrested-and-charged-money-laundering)
– [Twitter – Jerry Brito](https://twitter.com/jerrybrito/status/1784929564528935272)
– [Twitter – Kristov Atlas](https://twitter.com/kristovatlas/status/1784990163396952226)
By
By
By
By
By