Samourai Wallet co-founder, charged with money laundering, has been released on bail and plans to contest all charges. This article details the legal battle and the contentious bail terms.
Points
- Release of Samourai Wallet co-founder on bail.
- Controversial bail terms and hefty bail package.
- Legal defense strategies and arguments.
- Support from prominent figures.
Samourai Wallet co-founder, charged with money laundering, has been released on bail under contentious terms. The bail package, involving at least $3 million in assets, could increase to $4.4 million if his legal defense team successfully argues for him to reside with his wife in Portugal instead of his sister’s basement in Brooklyn, as preferred by the Department of Justice prosecutors.
Samourai Wallet Case: Contentious Bail Terms and Robust Package
Hill’s legal defense team is pushing for him to be allowed to reside with his wife in Portugal, but the authorities are against this arrangement. The Department of Justice prosecutors prefer that Hill reside in his sister’s basement in Brooklyn and not leave the country.
Hill’s Legal Defense and Arguments
The defense team plans to challenge the money laundering charges, arguing that if the Samourai Wallet was intended for money laundering, it would not have been listed on Google’s App Store. The Samourai Wallet app, launched in May 2015, was available until April 2024 when it was delisted following the founders’ arrests. Additionally, the defense argues that under FinCEN’s guidance at the time, Samourai Wallet did not have obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act to prevent money laundering.
Support from Prominent Figures
While Hill is set to appear at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on July 9 or 10, notable figures have risen to his support. The court filing shows that Senators Cynthia Lummis and Ron Wyden wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland, advocating for Hill.
Conclusion
The legal battle for Samourai Wallet’s co-founder is set to be intense, with contentious bail terms and strong defense arguments. The support from prominent figures highlights the high-profile nature of the case and the broader implications for the cryptocurrency community.
解説
- Contentious Bail Terms: The debate over Hill’s residence during bail and the hefty bail package.
- Legal Defense: Arguments challenging the money laundering charges based on app store listings and regulatory guidance.
- Prominent Support: Senators and notable figures advocating for Hill.
- Broader Implications: The case’s impact on the cryptocurrency community and regulatory environment.