Keonne Rodriguez | Samourai Wallet Case Explained: Privacy, Law & Innovation Threats

Keonne Rodriguez, co-developer of the Samourai Wallet, joins The Steve Gruber Show to discuss the controversial DOJ case that has rocked the cryptocurrency world. Arrested in April 2024 and forced to plead guilty under a contentious plea deal, Rodriguez argues that the prosecution represents unprecedented overreach, threatening financial privacy, innovation, free speech, and the future of U.S.-based crypto development. The Samourai Wallet was a non-custodial Bitcoin privacy tool, designed to protect users’ transactions without ever controlling their funds or private keys. Yet the DOJ labeled it a “money transmitting business,” despite FinCEN guidance stating otherwise. Critics, including Rodriguez, lawmakers, and industry experts, warn that this case criminalizes code as speech and sets a chilling precedent for all developers.

Rodriguez explains the legal flaws, selective persecution, and privacy implications of the case, highlighting the broader threat to Bitcoin self-custody and U.S. innovation. He also calls for presidential pardons, legislative protections, and stronger oversight to prevent similar government overreach in the future.