Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the defunct darknet drug marketplace Silk Road, has been pardoned by former President Donald Trump. Ulbricht, who was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the site's operation, expressed his gratitude to Trump in a video message and hinted at his future plans. His family also released a statement thanking Trump and their supporters.
Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous darknet drug marketplace Silk Road, expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump for granting him a pardon and hinted at his future plans in a video shared on social media. Ulbricht, known online as 'Dread Pirate Roberts,' was arrested in 2013 for his role in establishing an online platform that facilitated drug trafficking, money laundering, and other illicit activities.
Widely regarded as the first modern iteration of darknet marketplaces, Silk Road's influence proliferated over the years, spawning numerous similar platforms. Ulbricht received a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Notably, Ulbricht's laptop, instrumental in the site's development and maintenance, is preserved as an artifact by the FBI alongside other significant items like Ted Kaczynski's cabin, D.B. Cooper's plane ticket, and remnants of the World Trade Center. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Ulbricht thanked Trump for his pardon, stating his anticipation to 're-engage with the free world' soon. He characterized the pardon as a 'victory' for everyone who 'loves freedom and who cares about second chances.' Ulbricht's X account, where he has consistently posted updates from prison during his 11-year incarceration, reflected his elation. 'It feels amazing to be free, to say the least. It's overwhelming,' he wrote. 'For the next however long we need, I'm going to be with my family so that we can reunite, and be whole again, and heal. But there's a lot to talk about, and I look forward to re-engaging the free world. So, once I'm feeling up to it, we'll talk again.' Ulbricht also expressed his confidence in Trump's commitment, stating, 'Let it be known that Donald Trump is a man of his word. Thank you so much, President Trump, for giving me this amazing blessing.' Ulbricht's family, who tirelessly campaigned for his release, issued a statement on FreeRoss.org following the pardon. 'Our immense gratitude to President Trump for giving Ross a second chance and to all those who have supported us throughout the years. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!!!' Trump, who pledged during his campaign to release Ulbricht, seemingly fulfilled that promise. He stated on Truth Social that he called Ulbricht's mother shortly after his inauguration to inform her of the pardon, acknowledging the support of the Libertarian Movement. Ulbricht's case has drawn significant attention due to the perceived severity of his sentence for establishing Silk Road. Many believe he was unfairly punished for creating a platform that empowered individuals to engage in activities outside the realm of traditional commerce
ROSS ULBRICHT SILK ROAD DONALD TRUMP PARDON DARKNET DRUG MARKETPLACE FREEDOM
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