Edward Snowden Defends Crypto Privacy, Criticizes DOJ for Samourai Wallet Arrests

Edward Snowden criticized the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for targeting app developers aimed at restoring financial privacy, responding to the arrest of the founders and CEO of cryptocurrency mixing service Samourai Wallet on charges related to money laundering and operating without a license. Snowden’s remarks show his ongoing support for financial privacy within the cryptocurrency space and reflect broader concerns around the criminalization of privacy-enhancing technologies. The incident with Samourai Wallet, which allegedly facilitated over $2 billion in illegal transactions, has sparked debate about the balance between financial privacy and the prevention of illicit activities, aligning with Snowden’s and others’ views on the importance of making privacy a default feature in financial transactions.