President Trump has pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the infamous online black market Silk Road. This fulfills a campaign promise made by the former president.
The Silk Road and Ulbricht’s Sentence
Ulbricht launched Silk Road in 2011. This website allowed users to anonymously buy and sell illegal drugs and other illicit goods using Bitcoin. He was arrested in 2013 and received a double life sentence plus 40 years – a much harsher punishment than many others involved in Silk Road’s operations.
Trump’s Pardon and Statement
Now 40 years old, Ulbricht received a full and unconditional pardon. Trump announced the pardon on Truth Social, stating he’d called Ulbricht’s mother to share the news. He also claimed the individuals involved in Ulbricht’s conviction were the same people who “weaponized” the government against him. Trump called Ulbricht’s original sentence “ridiculous.”
Ulbricht’s Philosophy and Silk Road’s Rules
Ulbricht’s vision for Silk Road was based on personal freedom and individual sovereignty. He envisioned a marketplace free from government control where people could trade freely, as long as they didn’t directly harm others. However, Silk Road’s terms of service, prohibiting things like stolen goods, child exploitation material, and weapons, were inconsistently enforced.
Disclaimer: This information is for news purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Investing in cryptocurrency is risky.
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