Ashigaru Forks Samourai Wallet for Better Bitcoin Privacy

Developers have launched Ashigaru, a fork of the privacy-focused Samourai Wallet, to enhance privacy and decentralization in Bitcoin transactions. The new project aims to offer secure, anonymous transactions, free from the centralized components that led to legal trouble for Samourai's developers.

Ashigaru was introduced on September 20 as an open-source project designed to continue the development of privacy tools for Bitcoin users. The team behind the project is committed to ensuring that anyone can engage in private, voluntary commerce online without being subject to tracking, surveillance, or censorship.

The project's key feature is the mandatory use of Dojo nodes, allowing users to interact directly with the Bitcoin blockchain while maintaining complete anonymity. This setup eliminates reliance on centralized nodes, which can be vulnerable to attacks or regulatory pressure.

The creation of Ashigaru comes in the wake of legal actions taken against Samourai Wallet's original developers. In April 2024, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) charged Samourai’s team, including founder Keonne Rodriguez, with operating an unlicensed money-transmitting service and facilitating illegal transactions. The DOJ alleged that the wallet had helped launder over $100 million in criminal proceeds.

Following the arrests of Rodriguez and fellow developer William Lonergan Hill, US authorities also shut down Samourai's operations, including removing its app from the Google Play Store. As legal proceedings continue, Rodriguez remains under house arrest, with the court recently denying his request to ease bail conditions. Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting that Rodriguez had been preparing an escape plan, though his defense argued the notes were for emergency preparedness.

In response to these challenges, Ashigaru's developers emphasize that their software will remain accessible to everyone, with a focus on maintaining low barriers to entry. They promise to ensure that users will not face counterparty risk, offering maximum protection for those transacting on public blockchains.

The launch of Ashigaru highlights the ongoing battle between privacy-focused projects and regulatory authorities. It aims to provide a decentralized, community-driven alternative for Bitcoin users seeking anonymity and security in an increasingly regulated landscape.