Fri Jan 24 12:21:46 IST 2025: ## Silk Road Founder Freed After Trump Pardon, Expresses Gratitude
**Washington, D.C. –** Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the now-defunct dark web marketplace Silk Road, has been released from prison after receiving a full pardon from former President Donald Trump. Ulbricht, who served over 11 years of a double life sentence plus 40 years for operating the platform accused of facilitating $183 million in drug sales, expressed his gratitude in a video message posted on X.
“Thank you so much, President Trump, for giving me this amazing blessing,” Ulbricht stated. He described his release as “a victory,” emphasizing its significance for those who believe in second chances and freedom. Ulbricht plans to spend time with his family following his release.
Ulbricht’s case has been highly controversial. While prosecutors painted him as a criminal mastermind responsible for the deaths of six people (though he was never convicted of murder), supporters argued his sentence was excessive and that he was unfairly punished for the actions of others on the Silk Road platform. They contended that he had relinquished control of the site early on and was later targeted by authorities.
Trump, in announcing the pardon, called Ulbricht’s sentence “ridiculous” and criticized those involved in his prosecution. However, the decision has drawn criticism from Democrats. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto called it a “slap in the face” to the families of those harmed by the drug trade facilitated on Silk Road. The pardon remains a highly divisive issue, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding government overreach, criminal justice reform, and the use of cryptocurrency in illegal activities.
First Piper 