The nonprofit crypto advocacy group Coin Center is mulling 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.
Coin Center’s executive director Jerry Brito says the indictment “includes some questionable charges.”
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’re considering it.
“Tindictment was unsealed on Friday, so we need a little time to consider everything. Who knows if this even goes to trial, etc. But yes, we filed in the Tornado Cash indictment and may well do so here too.”
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 is an Ethereum (ETH)-based coin mixing system that helps users conceal their digital assets. The US sanctioned the controversial project 2022 for national security purposes.
One of its founders, Roman Storm, was arrested last year and slapped with charges related to allegedly laundering $1 billion in criminal proceeds, including hundreds of millions of dollars for the Lazarus Group, the sanctioned North Korean cybercriminal outfit.
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