**Title:** Why Trump Should Pardon Samourai Wallet Developers
**Meta Description:** Keonne Rodriguez faces prison for developing Samourai Wallet, a tool enhancing Bitcoin privacy. Should Trump intervene?
**URL Slug:** trump-pardon-samourai-wallet-developers
**Headline:** The Case for Trump to Pardon the Developers of Samourai Wallet
As the holiday season approaches, Keonne Rodriguez, co-founder of the Bitcoin Samourai Wallet, is set to surrender to prison on December 18th. His offense? Developing software that provided Bitcoin users with privacy comparable to that expected from traditional banks. The U.S. government shut down Samourai Wallet in April 2024, citing various charges, including money laundering. Ultimately, the only charge that held up in court was “unlicensed money transmission,” a notably weak accusation.
The prosecution’s interpretation of what constitutes money transmission is alarming. They argue that custodial control over user funds is no longer necessary for requiring a Money Services Business (MSB) license. Their reasoning suggests that just as a USB cable transfers data or a frying pan transfers heat, software can transmit money without exerting control over it. If such logic is accepted, it raises concerns about the implications for technology developers everywhere.
Interestingly, even the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) disagrees with the Department of Justice’s (DoJ) interpretation, stating that non-custodial services should not be classified as money transmitters since they do not control the flow of funds. Despite this, the DoJ proceeded with the charges, withholding critical evidence from the defense for nearly a year. This evidence could have significantly undermined the prosecution’s case, leading to accusations of misconduct and violations of Brady v. Maryland, which protects defendants’ rights to access exculpatory evidence.
Zack Shapiro, head of policy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute, has raised alarms about the broader implications of this case. He warns that blurring the lines between developing a tool and operating a service could create an untenable risk for anyone involved in creating privacy-enhancing or security-critical software. Rodriguez and his co-founder, William Lonergan Hill, ultimately accepted plea agreements due to the substantial risks they faced, despite government records that contradicted the core regulatory theory of the case.
In light of these developments, there is a growing call for former President Donald Trump to consider a pardon for Rodriguez and Hill. Such an action could not only rectify what many see as an unjust prosecution but also send a strong message about the importance of innovation and privacy in the digital age.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: Why is Keonne Rodriguez facing prison time?**
A: Keonne Rodriguez is facing prison time for developing the Samourai Wallet, a Bitcoin privacy tool, and was charged with “unlicensed money transmission” after the U.S. government shut down the service.
