In a notable shift in U.S. crypto regulation, the ongoing case against Samourai Wallet executives has been delayed. The delay follows recent changes to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) approach to digital asset cases.
On April 28, defense lawyers for Samourai Wallet CEO Keonne Rodriguez and CTO William Hill requested a 16-day extension for pretrial motions. Both parties cited a new directive from the DOJ.
The request was filed in Manhattan federal court. And the lawyers are seeking more time to adjust their legal strategy following the DOJ’s decision to dismantle its crypto enforcement team.
Rodriguez and Hill were charged in April 2024 with conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition, US authorities claimed they were operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. They have pleaded not guilty.
However, the Samourai Wallet defense team pointed to a memo from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, issued on April 7. The memo stated that the DOJ would no longer pursue broad crypto investigations unless they involved “victimization of digital asset investors or criminal activities.”
Samourai Wallet’s founders have been arrested. They are being charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitter. Samourai Wallet is alleged to have facilitated $2 billion in illegal transactions. #crypto pic.twitter.com/lLBcPLKRfO
— Ralph Humphrey σ (@RalphHumphrey) April 24, 2024
This shift in policy comes after several months of heightened scrutiny on the crypto sector. Plus, the Trump administration has shown a huge interest in crypto, which is another factor behind the change in approach.
US authorities continue to drop cases against crypto firms.
Recent weeks have seen US authorities such as the DOJ drop cases against crypto companies. The SEC recently dropped its fraud cases against Dragonchain, showcasing its new lenient approach.
The SEC withdraws its case with prejudice against @dragonchain! This is a major victory for blockchain innovation, fair regulation, and decentralization in the U.S.
For too long, regulators have stifled innovation instead of embracing it. Now is the time to integrate… https://t.co/zjIJGzTAsN— Dragonchain
(@dragonchain) April 26, 2025
Additionally, the Federal Reserve recently relaxed a rule that made it difficult for banks to hold crypto and stablecoins. The removal of that rule could see more traditional financial institutions adopt crypto.
@federalreserve announces the withdrawal of guidance for banks related to their crypto-asset and dollar token activities and related changes to its expectations for these activities: https://t.co/v1MwuswOlE
— Federal Reserve (@federalreserve) April 24, 2025
Trump family shows bold support for crypto
The support from the Trump family has also served as a factor behind mainstream adoption of crypto. Eric Trump, the son of President Trump, recently urged banks and other traditional financial institutions to adopt crypto or risk going extinct.
Eric, in an interview with CNBC, pointed to an imbalance in the current financial system, which he says favors the “ultra wealthy.” Eric described the current financial system as “slow and expensive, noting that it “forced” him into the crypto world. “I’m telling you, if the banks don’t watch what’s coming, they’re going to be extinct in 10 years,” he said.
— Watcher Oracle (@WatcherOracle) April 30, 2025
Eric also took a swipe at cross-border payment solutions like Swift, calling it an “absolute disaster.” He claimed Swift could lose its market share to decentralized blockchain-based solutions.
He said, “You can open up a DeFi app right now, you can open up any cryptocurrency app, and you can send money, wallet to wallet, instantaneously, without the expense, without the variability.”
The Trump family’s bold support for crypto serves as a beacon of hope for many crypto enthusiasts. Experts predict that more crypto firms could flock to the US due to the government’s support of the industry.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin is 13% away from its ATH, trading at $94,750.72 at the time of writing.
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