Crypto Advocacy Groups Urge Dismissal of Case Against Bitcoin Mixer Samourai
Crypto advocacy groups, including the Blockchain Association and Coin Center, are calling for the dismissal of the case against Samourai Wallet, which was accused of operating as an illegal money transmitter. The advocates assert that the software developers do not control the funds transferred and only write the software used to facilitate transactions. They argue that privacy in financial transactions is a fundamental right and that users maintain control of their Bitcoin at all times. The case against Samourai Wallet follows the arrests of its developers last year by U.S. authorities, who claim that the app was used for money laundering activities. However, the defense argues that the prosecution's claims misconstrue the legal definition of money transmission, a viewpoint shared by multiple advocacy organizations. These groups emphasize the important role of privacy-focused tools in the cryptocurrency ecosystem and highlight the implications of the case for the broader industry. A recent ruling prevented these advocacy groups from submitting amicus curiae briefs, but they remain vocal in their support for the dismissal of the case, asserting that it sets a concerning precedent for developers who create financial privacy tools.
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