Trump pardons darknet marketplace founder

US President Donald Trump announced the full pardon of Ross Ulbricht, the controversial founder of the darknet marketplace Silk Road, a platform infamously known for facilitating illegal drug sales. 

Trump stated that he personally called Ulbricht’s mother to inform her of the decision, describing it as a “full and unconditional pardon”. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed that Ulbricht’s conviction was driven by the same “fanatics” who are now pursuing him politically.

Ulbricht, now 40, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 2015 after being found guilty on seven counts, including conspiracy to launder money and distribute drugs. Prosecutors presented evidence that the Silk Road marketplace, which operated using Bitcoin, facilitated more than 1.5 million transactions totalling approximately $213 million, of which $183 million was linked to drug sales. Launched in 2011, Silk Road was a pioneering darknet marketplace that inspired a wave of similar platforms worldwide.

Prosecutors also accused Ulbricht of soliciting murders to eliminate individuals he perceived as threats to his operations, although no evidence of actual harm was presented. During sentencing, US District Judge Kathleen Forrest described Ulbricht’s actions as a “carefully planned life’s work” and compared him to any other drug dealer.

Ulbricht admitted to creating Silk Road but claimed he had relinquished control several months prior, making himself a scapegoat for the platform’s illegal activities. His case attracted attention from libertarians and cryptocurrency advocates, who argued that his prosecution was unjust. Supporters, including prominent figures such as Elon Musk, asserted that Ulbricht was punished for creating the platform rather than for participating in illegal transactions.

The Silk Road case has left an indelible mark on discussions regarding internet freedom, cryptocurrency regulation, and the scope of legal liability for online platforms.