The Bitcoin Way Podcast Imprisoned by the First Amendment with Keonne Rodriguez | Ep. #94
Dec 12, 2025
Keonne Rodriguez, a software developer and co-founder of Samourai Wallet, dives into his battle for financial privacy through innovative Bitcoin tools. He shares insights on the unjust legal challenges he faced, including federal charges and the implications of a plea deal. Keonne discusses the erosion of financial privacy since the Bank Secrecy Act and the importance of non-custodial tools. He urges listeners to advocate for privacy and learn from his experiences, emphasizing Bitcoin must prioritize privacy for true utility.
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Charged Despite FinCEN Guidance
- After the raid Keonne learned he was indicted in the Southern District of New York for conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating an unlicensed money service business.
- He initially laughed because FinCEN guidance said noncustodial software providers aren't money transmitters.
Prosecutors Overrode Regulatory Guidance
- Prosecutors argued their view mattered more than FinCEN guidance that noncustodial tools aren't money transmitters.
- Keonne says the government claimed code creation alone made them a money transmitter.
Withheld FinCEN Email Revealed Late
- A year into proceedings Keonne's team discovered the government had emailed FinCEN asking if Samurai was a money transmitter.
- FinCEN replied no, but the government withheld this exculpatory evidence for over a year.