Samourai Wallet Founders Could Serve 5 Years for $237 Million Laundering

Summary

U.S. prosecutors are seeking a five‑year prison term for Samourai Wallet founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill after they pleaded guilty to running an unlicensed crypto‑mixing service that laundered at least $237 million from drug trafficking, darknet markets, hacks and other crimes. The sentencing memorandum cites a 60‑month statutory maximum, while the Probation Office recommended 42 months; Rodriguez asked for a year and a day, and Hill requested time served. The case underscores a growing law‑enforcement focus on cryptocurrency mixers, following high‑profile convictions such as Tornado Cash’s co‑founder.