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Samourai Wallet co-founder released on $1M bond after pleading not guilty

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Samourai Wallet co-founder released on $1M bond
  • Samourai Wallet founders have been charged with money laundering and operating an unlicensed business.
  • Keonne Rodriguez, one of the co-founders, was released on a $1M bond after pleading not guilty in NYC court.
  • The legal proceedings raise concerns about the future of non-custodial crypto services in the U.S.

During an appearance at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Wednesday, Samourai Wallet co-founder Keonne Rodriguez entered a plea of not guilty to the charges brought against him and his associate William Hill and an assistant U.S. Attorneys agreed to the $1 million bond, with travel restrictions.

The lawsuit against Rodriguez and his associate William Hill alleges that Samourai Wallet facilitated over $100 million in money laundering transactions from illegal dark web markets. The two were arrested on April 24 in different jurisdictions.

Keonne Rodriguez’s bail terms

Despite being released on a $1 million bond, Rodriguez was restricted to only travel to certain areas of New York and Pennsylvania. He will be confined to his residence in Harmony, Pennsylvania, and required to wear a location monitoring device.

Additionally, Rodriguez is prohibited from engaging in any cryptocurrency transactions without prior approval from the court.

Rodriguez’s case is scheduled to proceed in the Southern District Court of New York, with Rodriguez set to appear again on May 14 with the involvement of Judge Richard M. Berman, known for presiding over high-profile cases, adding to the weight of the proceedings.

The outcome of the legal proceedings against could have far-reaching implications for the cryptocurrency industry.

William Hill, the co-accused and chief technology officer of Samourai Wallet, despite being arrested on the same day as Rodriguez has not yet been presented in a any U.S. courtroom. This could be because of Hill having been arrested in Portugal meaning authorities are possibly working through extradition proceedings.

Implications of the Samourai Wallet legal proceedings

The arrests and subsequent legal proceedings against Rodriguez and Hill have sparked debates regarding the definition of non-custodial wallets as money service businesses.

The allegations of Samourai Wallet facilitating money laundering transactions from illegal dark web markets raise questions about the broader implications for self-custodial tools in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

As reported earlier, Self-custodial crypto wallets like Wasabi Wallet and Phoenix have gone ahead to restrict U.S. users fearing legal proceedings following the arrest and prosecution of the Samourai Wallet founders and a possible Metamask investigation.

The case challenges the interpretation of guidelines issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) regarding money transmission services with the Department of Justice (DOJ) arguing that the operation of Samourai Wallet’s services, including the broadcasting of transactions and collection of fees, falls within the scope of a money service business.

The indictment also raises concerns about potential efforts to KYC (Know Your Customer) the Bitcoin network, with implications for miners, node operators, and other entities involved in cryptocurrency transactions.

The FBI has already issued a public service announcement urging caution regarding cryptocurrency money service businesses that do not require KYC information.



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“Crypto Dad” Chris Giancarlo Emerges Top For White House Crypto Czar Role

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Chris Giancarlo, widely known as “Crypto Dad,” has emerged as the leading candidate for a newly proposed role of crypto czar in the White House under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. The potential appointment underscores a strategic effort to advance crypto regulations and foster blockchain innovation in the United States.

This proposed position would be the first of its kind in the White House, aiming to bring clarity to the growing $3 trillion digital asset market. Chris Giancarlo, the former Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), is known for his progressive approach to digital currencies and blockchain technologies.

Chris Giancarlo Leads Race for White House Crypto Czar Role Under Donald Trump

According to a Fox Business report, Chris Giancarlo is the top contender for the position of White House crypto czar, a role being considered by the Trump transition team to streamline crypto regulations and foster blockchain development.

As CFTC Chair from 2017 to 2019, Chris Giancarlo oversaw critical advancements in the digital asset space. This includes the launch of the first Bitcoin futures. He later co-founded the Digital Dollar Project, a nonprofit initiative exploring the potential of a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC). Giancarlo’s regulatory expertise and understanding of digital innovation position him as a key figure in shaping the future of the crypto sector.

The Trump administration aims to utilize this position to address industry concerns over the Biden administration’s perceived heavy-handed enforcement. The crypto czar would also collaborate with federal agencies to establish a framework for the $180 billion stablecoin market and enhance the overall regulatory landscape for blockchain and digital currencies.

Trump’s Strategic Approach to Digital Asset Policy

President-elect Donald Trump has expressed plans to make the U.S. a global leader in cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation. Part of this strategy includes appointing a crypto czar to advance policies to support the industry’s growth.

Trump has also proposed the establishment of a presidential crypto advisory council to address ongoing regulatory challenges. This initiative aims to align federal policies with industry needs, fostering a competitive environment for blockchain businesses. The council will explore the creation of a Bitcoin reserve as part of the administration’s broader crypto policy agenda.

The transition comes as current SEC Chair Gary Gensler announced his resignation effective January 20, 2025, coinciding with Trump’s inauguration. Gensler faced criticism during his tenure for his enforcement-driven approach to crypto regulations.

Amid speculation, Chris Giancarlo clarified that he is not pursuing the SEC Chair role. Giancarlo said in a recent statement,

“I’ve already cleaned up earlier Gary Gensler mess at the CFTC and don’t want to have to do it again.”

His focus remains on advancing crypto-friendly policies through a potential new role. According to the report, the “Crypto Dad” stated,

“I would be honored to be considered for the role.”

The creation of the crypto czar position could mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of U.S. crypto policy. With Chris Giancarlo leading the race, the industry anticipates advancements in crypto regulations under the new administration.

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Ronny Mugendi

Ronny Mugendi is a seasoned crypto journalist with four years of professional experience, having contributed significantly to various media outlets on cryptocurrency trends and technologies. With over 4000 published articles across various media outlets, he aims to inform, educate and introduce more people to the Blockchain and DeFi world. Outside of his journalism career, Ronny enjoys the thrill of bike riding, exploring new trails and landscapes.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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UK to unveil crypto and stablecoin regulatory framework early next year

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UK to unveil crypto and stablecoin regulatory framework early next year
  • The UK will introduce unified crypto regulations, including stablecoins, in early 2025.
  • New rules aim to simplify oversight and avoid restrictive staking classifications.
  • Labour government aims to compete with EU’s MiCA rules and US pro-crypto policies.

The United Kingdom is set to introduce a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and crypto staking services in early 2025, marking a pivotal shift in its approach to digital assets.

The announcement was made by the Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq at City & Financial Global’s Tokenisation Summit in London on November 21.

Initially slated for December 2024, the regulatory rollout was delayed due to the change in government following the election of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour administration in July 2024.

The upcoming UK crypto regulatory framework

The upcoming framework consolidates regulations for crypto assets into a single, overarching regime, a decision Siddiq described as “simpler and more logical.”

The framework aims to provide clarity in a rapidly growing sector that has faced uncertainty in the UK.

Stablecoins will receive distinct treatment under these regulations, as their functionality does not align with existing payment services rules.

Siddiq highlighted that staking services would also avoid being designated as “collective investment schemes,” a classification that could impose burdensome restrictions.

UK aims to align with the global crypto regulatory landscape

The UK government’s renewed focus on digital asset regulation comes as it seeks to align with global developments. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations will be fully enforced by the end of 2024, offering regulatory certainty that has positioned Europe as an attractive market for the crypto industry.

Meanwhile, the US, under President Donald Trump’s administration, has adopted a markedly pro-crypto stance, including the establishment of a White House “crypto czar” and SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s planned departure in January 2024.

The Labour government has shown its intent to catch up with international competition. In September 2024, it introduced a bill recognizing NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and carbon credits as property.

The new regulatory push reflects the UK’s ambition to regain credibility as a crypto hub while addressing criticisms of the Financial Conduct Authority’s perceived stringent oversight.

By delivering a robust, streamlined framework, the Labour government aims to bolster the UK’s standing in the multibillion-dollar crypto industry.



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Gary Gensler To Step Down As US SEC Chair In January

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In a recent development, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that Gary Gensler will step down from his position next year. This follows calls for Gensler to resign since Donald Trump won the US presidential elections.

Gary Gensler To Step Down As US SEC Chair

The US SEC announced in a press release that Gary Gensler will depart the Agency on January 20, 2025. The US SEC Chair also confirmed this development in an X post. Interestingly, this comes on the same day that Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States.

Following the announcement, Gensler also used the opportunity to reflect on his time at the Commission. He remarked that it has been an “honor of a lifetime” to serve alongside those at the SEC. He also thanked President Biden for the opportunity to serve in the position. Gensler has been the US SEC Chair since April 2021. During his time, he has spearheaded several litigations against the crypto industry.

This includes the long-running legal battle with Ripple, which Gensler took over from his predecessor Jay Clayton, which bordered on whether XRP was a security. Up till now, the Agency continues to reiterate this ‘digital asset securities’ claim.

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Boluwatife Adeyemi

Boluwatife Adeyemi is a well-experienced crypto news writer and editor who has covered topics that cut across DeFi, NFTs, smart contracts, and blockchain interoperability, among others. Boluwatife has a knack for simplifying the most technical concepts and making it easy for crypto newbies to understand. Away from writing, He is an avid basketball lover and a part-time degen.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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