A prominent non-custodial BTC lightning wallet “Phoenix Wallet” has made a drastic announcement regarding its operations in the US. As per the platform, it will be soon removed from the app stores in the United States so the consumers should empty their wallets within the jurisdiction. ACINQ, the platform that is parenting Phoenix Wallet has reportedly made the respective radical decision.

Phoenix Wallet Withdraws from the US App Stores as the Authorities Target Samourai

The platform took its official account on the social media platform X to discuss the matter. It noted that the recent statements from the authorities in the US are very doubtful. According to the company, these announcements create uncertainty about Lightning nodes, Lightning service-providing entities, or self-custodial wallet operators. The uncertainties lie around these entities’ inclusion in the Money Services Businesses and regulation as such.

Keeping in view all these points, the company moved forward to make the hard decision of pulling back from the United States. This decision will potentially have a great impact on the user base and the overall community. A recent such incident has reportedly played a significant role in triggering such a response from Phoenix Wallet.

The reports have pointed out that the founder of the BTC mixing wallet named “Samourai” recently faced indictment in some allegations. They allegedly facilitated illegitimate transfers, taking into account money laundering. The respective indictment was made in the Southern District of New York. This entire event has emerged as a crucial contribution to the latest development concerning Phoenix Wallet.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Delves into Samurai Wallet for Potentially Illegal Operations

Following the above-mentioned indictment against Samourai Wallet’s founders, the Federal Bureau of Investigation took responsive action. The agency issued a warning to inform the consumers regarding the commencement of an investigation regarding the matter.

It clarified that the agency would delve into the operations of the wallet from a variety of perspectives. These factors include the unregistered crypto entities that the FBI believed to be money services platforms. In addition to this, the agency also asserted that the consumers may go through some financial disruptions.