Will Trump Free Silk Road’s Ross Ulbricht? Pardon Odds at 84%
The likelihood that Donald Trump will grant a pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the infamous creator of the darknet marketplace Silk Road, within the first 100 days of his presidency, has increased to 84% according to Polymarket.
On this page
Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to pardon Ulbricht if elected to the presidency. He first announced this at the National Libertarian Party Convention on May 25, 2024, and echoed his commitment a few weeks later at a large Bitcoin conference aimed at representatives and users of the crypto industry.
“If you vote for me, on day one, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht to a sentence of time served. He has already served 11 years. We are going to get him home,” Trump asserted.
Launched in 2011, Silk Road was the pioneering darknet platform that facilitated the anonymous exchange of illegal goods and services using cryptocurrency. It represented an ambitious attempt to create a market free from governmental oversight, attracting not only a vast user base but also significant law enforcement scrutiny.
Related: Ross Ulbricht: Drug Lord or Crypto Martyr?
Two years into his enterprise, Ross Ulbricht was apprehended, and authorities seized a trove of electronic devices along with approximately 174,000 BTC, currently estimated to be worth about $18.7 billion. He was indicted for enabling drug trafficking, orchestrating a criminal network, committing fraud, laundering money, and several other related crimes.
In May 2015, a court found Ulbricht guilty on all counts and handed down a life sentence without the possibility of parole. This severe sentence sparked significant controversy among activists and cryptocurrency enthusiasts, who argue that Ulbricht was disproportionately targeted in a broader campaign against the darknet and cryptocurrencies.
After 11 years in prison, Ulbricht remains hopeful for release. In recent communications, he has expressed his trust in Donald Trump, banking on the former president's promises, and continues to hold out hope for justice and a second chance. For Trump, the decision to pardon Ulbricht could also serve as a strategic political maneuver.
Related: Trump’s Victory: The Impact on Crypto Explained
The content on The Coinomist is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content. Neither we accept liability for any errors or omissions in the information provided or for any financial losses incurred as a result of relying on this information. Actions based on this content are at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult a professional. See our Terms, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers for more details.
Articles by this author
