President Donald Trump announced via social media that he has signed a full and unconditional pardon for Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road darknet marketplace. Ulbricht had been serving two life sentences plus 40 years for his role in operating the platform, which facilitated illegal transactions using bitcoin.
Key Details:
Who Is Ross Ulbricht?
Ulbricht is the creator of Silk Road, a darknet marketplace that operated from 2011 to 2013. Known as the “eBay for drugs,” Silk Road enabled anonymous transactions using bitcoin, allowing the sale of illicit goods and services.
Convicted in 2015 for charges including conspiracy to commit money laundering, computer hacking, and drug trafficking, Ulbricht became a polarizing figure.
Supporters view him as a victim of government overreach and a symbol of excessive sentencing for non-violent crimes. His punishment—two life sentences plus 40 years without parole—has been widely criticized as disproportionately harsh.
Pardon Details
- Trump announced the pardon in honor of Ulbricht’s mother, Lyn Ulbricht, and the Libertarian Movement, both of whom have campaigned for his release.
- The president criticized those involved in Ulbricht’s conviction, referring to them as “scum” and likening their actions to the “weaponization of government” he believes has targeted him.
Broader Context:
This article is published on BitPinas: Quick Take: Trump Pardons Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht
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