Who is Ross Ulbricht and what happened to him?

Who is Ross Ulbricht and what happened to him?

Who is Ross Ulbricht?

Ross Ulbricht is the founder of the Silk Road website, a dark web marketplace that facilitated illegal trade, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and counterfeit documents. Transactions were made using Bitcoin to ensure the anonymity of buyers and sellers.

Arrest and sentence
In 2013, US authorities arrested Ulbricht, and in 2015, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He was found guilty of money laundering, computer hacking, and drug trafficking.

Release and pardon by Donald Trump
On January 22, 2025, Donald Trump granted Ross Ulbricht a full and unconditional amnesty, releasing him from prison.

Why was he pardoned?
The pardon came after campaigns and petitions by cryptocurrency activists and his family. More than 275,000 people signed a petition calling for his release.

Controversy surrounding the case
Ulbricht’s case has sparked a major debate over internet freedom and the role of cryptocurrencies in illegal activities. Some see him as a criminal, while others see him as a symbol of internet freedom and a victim of the American legal system.