US prosecutors seek five-year prison terms for Samourai Wallet founders

U.S. prosecutors have requested 60-month (five-year) prison sentences for Samourai Wallet co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill, alleging they ran a large-scale money laundering service. The service allegedly laundered at least $237 million in illicit proceeds from various criminal activities, including drug trafficking and fraud, between 2015 and April 2024. Both founders pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. While federal guidelines suggested a higher range, the 60-month request aligns with the statutory maximum for the charge they pleaded guilty to. Rodriguez is scheduled for sentencing on November 6, and Hill on November 7. This action is part of a broader U.S. crackdown on crypto mixing services, exemplified by the recent conviction of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm on a money transmitting charge.

(Source：The Block)