7 months ago
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On January 21, 2025, former President Donald Trump made headlines by granting a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous Silk Road online marketplace. The decision, announced via Trump’s Truth Social platform, has reignited debates about justice, government overreach, and the role of cryptocurrency in society.
Ulbricht, who had been serving two life sentences plus 40 years for his role in operating the dark web marketplace, was released from federal prison following the pardon. His case, which had become a symbol of government excess for many Libertarian and cryptocurrency advocates, marks a significant milestone in the intersection of technology, politics, and justice.
The Silk Road, launched in 2011, was a dark web marketplace that allowed anonymous transactions using Bitcoin. The platform quickly became a hub for illicit activities, including drug trafficking, which ultimately led to its shutdown by the FBI in 2013 and Ulbricht’s arrest.
In 2015, Ulbricht was convicted on charges of:
- Drug trafficking
- Money laundering
- Computer hacking
The sentence — two life terms without parole plus 40 years — was criticized by many as disproportionately harsh, especially for a non-violent offender.
English (US) ·