Ashigaru Project Introduces Mobile Wallet Post-Samourai Wallet Hard Fork

Introduction to the Ashigaru Open Source Project

On September 20, 2023, a significant development in the cryptocurrency sector emerged with the announcement of the Ashigaru Open Source Project. This project marks the launch of a mobile wallet developed by a group of developers utilizing the code from the well-known Samourai Wallet, which was previously renowned for its emphasis on user privacy and security.

Project Goals and Features

The Ashigaru project aims to build upon the foundation laid by the Samourai Wallet team by focusing on:

• Open-Source Software: The initiative intends to maintain and enhance free and open-source software to benefit the wider cryptocurrency community.
• User Accessibility: One core objective is to create software solutions that have a low technical barrier to entry, ensuring users from various backgrounds can easily navigate and utilize the wallet.
• Security and Privacy: The developers prioritize user security and privacy, reinforcing measures against censorship and enhancing users' ability to engage in private online commerce.

Developer Background and Community Contributions

The Ashigaru developers consist of former Samourai Wallet users who have collaborated extensively with public domain code and received contributions from various other cryptocurrency projects. Their mission is to foster an environment where online commerce is conducted in a peaceful and voluntary manner, free from tracking and surveillance.

Connection to Samourai Wallet

While the Ashigaru Project draws from the legacy of Samourai Wallet, the developers have emphasized that they lack direct ties to the original core development group of Samourai Wallet. This independence highlights the initiative's unique approach and objectives in the cryptocurrency space.

Legal Troubles for Samourai Wallet Founders

In a surprising turn of events, the original founders of the Samourai Wallet, Keonne Rodriguez and William Hill, found themselves embroiled in legal issues when they were arrested in April 2024. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) charged them with money laundering, alleging their involvement in over $2 billion in unlawful transactions and facilitating over $100 million in money laundering activities.

Legal Proceedings

If convicted, Rodriguez and Hill could face severe penalties, including a maximum of five years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business. The gravity of the situation was exacerbated when the FBI seized the Samourai Wallet’s website and servers, leading to the removal of the wallet application from app stores.

Rodriguez's initial response to the charges was to plead not guilty, resulting in his release on a $1 million bail-bond agreement with geographic restrictions imposed by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The outcome of this legal battle remains to be seen as the case progresses.

Conclusion

The emergence of the Ashigaru Open Source Project serves as a noteworthy response to the challenges and controversies surrounding the Samourai Wallet. With its focus on user-friendly, secure, and private solutions for online transactions, the project seeks to uphold the principles of privacy and freedom in the ever-evolving cryptocurrency landscape.