On September 20, a group of developers announced the launch of the Ashigaru Open Source Project, a fork of the privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet, Samourai Wallet.
Ashigaru aims to continue developing privacy tools while addressing the limitations imposed by centralized components, following the legal troubles faced by Samourai’s original development team.
The Samourai Wallet Case: A Backdrop for Ashigaru’s Creation
According to its website, this new project is rooted in open-source principles and focuses on decentralization. Ashigaru’s developers also aim to ensure that anyone can participate in secure, anonymous commerce.
“We believe anyone should be able to engage in peaceful, voluntary, and private commerce on the internet without tracking, surveillance, or censorship,” they asserted.
Read more: What Is a Non-Custodial Wallet?
Ashigaru introduces new features and a community-driven approach to keep privacy tools accessible in the current regulatory settings. It strives to create tools that allow users to transact securely without relying on centralized nodes or infrastructure.
The developers explained that their software “will always maintain a low barrier to entry” and remain “non-discriminatory.” They also emphasized that it will “never expose users to counterparty risk” and will offer maximal protection for those transacting on a public blockchain.
Furthermore, the development team has implemented several technical enhancements. These improvements include the use of Dojo nodes, which enable users to transact directly on the Bitcoin blockchain without compromising their anonymity.
The decision to fork Samourai Wallet came in response to the legal actions taken against its founders in April 2024. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) charged Samourai Wallet’s developers, including founder Keonne Rodriguez, with operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business and facilitating illegal transactions. In its charge, the DOJ alleged that the wallet has enabled over $100 million in criminal proceeds to be laundered through its services.
Following Rodriguez’s and fellow developer William Lonergan Hill’s arrests, US authorities also seized Samourai’s operational infrastructure. This action included shutting down its app on the Google Play Store.
Read more: Top Web3 Privacy Challenges & How to Overcome Them
In the latest development, Rodriguez was denied changes to his bail conditions during a hearing last week. The court’s decision came after prosecutors presented evidence suggesting that Rodriguez had prepared an escape plan.
Rodriguez’s legal representatives contended that the notes in question were components of a broader plan for emergency preparedness. However, the prosecution maintained that they were proof of an active escape plan. As a result, Rodriguez remains under house arrest, awaiting further court proceedings.
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