On Jan. 21, Donald Trump stated he had signed a full and unconditional pardon for Ross Ulbricht, who operated the darkish internet market Silk Highway.
“I simply referred to as the mom of Ross William Ulbricht to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Motion, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have simply signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross,” he acknowledged on his social media platform Reality Social on Jan. 22.
Trump continued so as to add that “the scum that labored to convict him have been a few of the identical lunatics who have been concerned within the modern-day weaponization of presidency in opposition to me. He was given two life sentences, plus 40 years. Ridiculous!”
Ross Ulbricht has been freed by President Trump with a full pardon! Thanks for conserving your phrase to me and others who’ve been advocating for Ross’ freedom, Mr. President! #freeRoss pic.twitter.com/wOJVFX1DaA
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 22, 2025
Ross Ulbricht Lastly Free
The Silk Highway founder was serving a life sentence after being convicted of operating an underground on-line market that was utilized by drug sellers to conduct illicit gross sales utilizing Bitcoin.
Ulbricht created and operated Silk Highway, one of many first fashionable darknet markets, from 2011 till his arrest in 2013. The location labored on the Tor community and used crypto for transactions, permitting customers to purchase and promote items anonymously.
Ulbricht, who used the pseudonym “Dread Pirate Roberts” (DPR), was an ardent libertarian who believed in free market rules and opposed drug prohibition legal guidelines.
He was convicted in Could 2015 on seven costs, together with distributing narcotics, laptop hacking, conspiracy, and cash laundering. He obtained two life sentences plus 40 years with out the potential of parole.
“I needed to empower individuals to make decisions of their lives and have privateness and anonymity,” Ulbricht stated at his sentencing listening to.
Supporters have lengthy advocated for clemency, arguing his sentence was disproportionately harsh and that Silk Highway decreased violence within the drug commerce by shifting it on-line.
Ready on Crypto EOs
Trump had introduced plans to commute Ulbricht’s sentence in Could throughout a speech on the Libertarian Nationwide Conference.
“Because of President Trump for conserving his phrase to finish Ross’s unjust sentence by granting him a full and unconditional pardon. Prayers have been answered for Ross, Lyn (his mom), and all their household and buddies. So pleased for them!” commented former Congressman Justin Amash.
The crypto group remains to be ready with bated breath for Trump to signal government orders referring to the business and pro-crypto laws. He has been silent on the topic to date.
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