NewsBTC
Nov 7, 2025
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Samourai Wallet Co-Founder Sentenced to 5 Years for Money Laundering

Keonne Rodriguez, co-founder of Samourai Wallet, received a five-year prison sentence for operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business that allegedly laundered hundreds of millions through illegal activities.

Key Points

  • Rodriguez pled guilty as part of a plea deal; prosecutors sought five-year sentences for him and co-founder William Lonergan Hill.
  • The operation allegedly laundered over $237 million in criminal proceeds between 2015-2024, linked to fraud and murder-for-hire plots.
  • Despite DOJ's recent guidelines raising prosecution standards for crypto mixers, Rodriguez's case stands out.
  • Both founders agreed to forfeit $237 million and pay a $400,000 fine.
  • Hill's sentencing is scheduled for November 19.

The case resembles the DOJ’s action against Tornado Cash, accused of facilitating over $1 billion in illicit transfers.

Samourai Wallet