In a dramatic and unexpected turn, Ross Ulbricht — the man behind the original Silk Road — has been freed after serving more than 11 years of a life sentence. On January 21, 2025, former President Donald Trump issued a full and unconditional pardon, closing one of the most controversial chapters in the history of online crime and punishment.
Ulbricht, a first-time, nonviolent offender, was convicted in 2015 for creating and operating the Silk Road, a pioneering darknet market that enabled users to anonymously buy and sell drugs using Bitcoin. Though he admitted to building the site based on libertarian ideals, the courts handed down an extraordinarily harsh sentence: two life terms plus 40 years without parole. Critics have long argued that his punishment was designed to make an example of him, rather than to fit the crime.
Over the years, Ulbricht’s imprisonment sparked widespread outrage and gave rise to the global “Free Ross” movement. His supporters — including tech leaders, privacy advocates, and legal reform groups — pointed to serious flaws in the prosecution, including the use of uncharged allegations during sentencing and the selective targeting of Ulbricht while other contributors to Silk Road received lighter sentences.
His release has reignited debate about the future of online privacy, cryptocurrency regulation, and fair sentencing in the digital age. For his part, Ulbricht has expressed gratitude for a second chance and is reportedly focused on reconnecting with family and advocating for criminal justice reform.
For the full story and a detailed timeline of Ross Ulbricht‘s case, read the official release on DeepDotOnion. And for continued updates on darknet cases, crypto markets, and legal shifts impacting the darknet market ecosystem, DeepDotOnion remains your go-to source.
Ulbricht’s release doesn’t end the conversation — it amplifies it. His case remains a powerful symbol of the urgent need to reassess justice in the age of decentralization and digital freedom.
