Former President Donald Trump has said he’s keen to assessment the case of Keonne Rodriguez, the co-founder of the Samourai Bitcoin pockets, who was sentenced final month to 5 years in jail for conspiracy to function an unlicensed cash transmitting enterprise.
Throughout an Oval Workplace occasion, Trump was requested by Decrypt about the opportunity of granting clemency to Rodriguez.
He acknowledged consciousness of the case, stating he would look into it:
“He stated he was conscious of the matter and would look into it.”
Background on Samourai prosecution
Rodriguez and fellow co-founder William Hill had been arrested in April on fees of cash laundering conspiracy and working an unlicensed money-transmitting enterprise.
Rodriguez admitted to processing over $2 billion in bitcoin transactions, with some linked to darkish net markets, and is about to start his sentence on Friday.
Hill, in the meantime, acquired a four-year sentence.
Privateness advocates increase issues
The prosecution has drawn criticism from privateness advocates who say it threatens the way forward for privacy-focused bitcoin growth.
The case has change into a flashpoint within the ongoing debate over person privateness versus regulatory enforcement within the bitcoin house.
Implications for different builders
Supporters within the bitcoin group hope {that a} pardon for Rodriguez might set a precedent for related instances, corresponding to that of Roman Storm, co-founder of Twister Money.
Storm was convicted in August for working an unlicensed money-transmitting enterprise, and advocates consider a constructive consequence for Rodriguez may affect his scenario as nicely.