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Samourai Wallet’s legal team appears to have gained new traction in its fight against federal charges, following a recent shift in Department of Justice (DOJ) policy that could impact how crypto-related cases are prosecuted. The policy change has prompted a 16-day delay in proceedings, giving the defense more time to argue for dismissal.
The case, which centers around alleged money laundering and unlicensed money transmission tied to the privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet, has drawn significant attention from both crypto privacy advocates and regulators. Prosecutors initially accused Samourai Wallet’s developers of facilitating illicit transactions by offering features such as coin mixing and enhanced user anonymity.
However, recent developments within the DOJ—particularly a reconsideration of how intent and developer liability are interpreted in crypto cases—have led to a reassessment of the charges. The defense argues that Samourai Wallet provided privacy tools, not financial services, and that the government’s position overreaches existing legal frameworks.
The 16-day delay, granted by the court at the DOJ’s request, is being seen as a signal that the agency may be reconsidering some aspects of its approach. Defense attorneys have since filed a motion to dismiss, citing the DOJ’s internal review and potential misalignment with newer policy guidance.
Legal analysts say the outcome of this case could have broader implications for software developers in the crypto space, especially those building privacy-enhancing technologies. If the case is dismissed or narrowed significantly, it may set a precedent limiting the DOJ’s ability to target open-source crypto tools under current laws.
For now, Samourai Wallet’s legal team remains cautiously optimistic, as the next court date approaches with new momentum on their side.
