TechFlow, Nov. 4 — According to The Block, U.S. prosecutors are seeking 60-month prison sentences for Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill, the founders of Samourai Wallet, charging them with operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.
Prosecutors allege that the cryptocurrency mixing service operated by Rodriguez and Hill helped launder at least $237 million in criminal proceeds over nearly a decade. The indictment states that between 2015 and April 2024, illicit proceeds laundered through Samourai were linked to drug trafficking, darknet markets, cyber intrusions, fraud, and even contract-killing plots.
In June this year, a grand jury issued a superseding indictment charging both individuals with conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. On July 30, each pleaded guilty to the latter charge. Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced on November 6, while Hill’s sentencing is set for November 7.
