Key Takeaways
- Samourai Wallet's founders charged with laundering over $100 million.
- DOJ accuses the wallet of facilitating $2 billion in illegal transactions.
- Rodriguez and Hill face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill, founders of Samourai Wallet, on charges of money laundering exceeding $100 million and operating without a financial license.
Allegations of extensive criminal activity
The DOJ alleges that the founders operated an unlicensed money transmitting business, involving over $2 billion in unlawful transactions.
This includes significant money laundering activities linked to illegal dark web markets since 2015.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated:
Rodriguez and Hill allegedly knowingly facilitated the laundering of over $100 million of criminal proceeds from the Silk Road, Hydra Market, and other campaigns.
