Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, publicly thanked Donald Trump for the presidential pardon received after 11 years in prison. A new phase of his life opens with hope and support.
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A new opportunity for the founder of Silk Road after 11 years in prison thanks to Trump’s decision
Ross Ulbricht, founder of the controversial darknet market Silk Road, expressed gratitude to the President of the United States Donald Trump for the presidential pardon that ended his double life sentence without parole.
This decision, announced after 11 years of detention, represents a significant turning point in Ulbricht’s life and has attracted the attention of the global community.
Ulbricht shared his first public words in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing his appreciation for Trump and describing him as “a man of his word”:
“Thank you, President Trump, for this extraordinary blessing. Now I have the opportunity to have my life and my future back. This is a pivotal moment for me and my family.”
After more than a decade in a maximum-security prison in Arizona, Ulbricht has reunited with his family. The support page “Free_Ross” described the event as an emotional and almost surreal experience:
“The last 36 hours have been a real whirlwind. We cannot believe that this dream has become a reality.”
Despite the joy of the moment, Ulbricht’s path is not without challenges. At 40 years old, he must reintegrate into a society that has profoundly changed since he was incarcerated.
However, the support of the community and the fundraising in his favor seem to provide a solid starting point for this new phase of his life.
The support from the crypto community
Another innovation is represented by the wallet associated with the “Free Ross” campaign that has received significant donations to support Ulbricht in his transition towards freedom.
Among the main contributors is the cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, which donated 111,111 dollars in Bitcoin. Other donations include 2,400 dollars in Ethereum, 900 dollars in Solana, 200 dollars in Cardano, and small amounts in Dogecoin and Binance Coin.
These contributions highlight the solidarity of the crypto community towards an individual who, despite the controversies, is seen by many as a symbol of the fight for personal freedom and technological innovation.
In any case, while the financial support has been generous, some observers have noted that Ulbricht might already possess a considerable fortune.
Conor Grogan, director of Coinbase, revealed that approximately 430 Bitcoin, worth over 47 million dollars, remain intact in wallets associated with Ulbricht and have not been seized by the authorities.
These funds, inactive for more than 13 years, represent a potential resource for Ulbricht, but their use raises questions about the legal and practical implications of such resources.
Arkham Intelligence has confirmed Grogan’s discoveries, identifying 14 Bitcoin addresses linked to Silk Road, including a wallet containing over 9 million dollars.
Ulbricht’s Intentions: A New Beginning
Ulbricht has stated that he wants to dedicate time to his family and to heal from the difficulties experienced during the period of detention:
“This is a victory not only for me, but for all those who believe in freedom and second chances.”
Despite his release, Ulbricht’s figure remains divisive. For some, he is a visionary persecuted for creating an innovative market. For others, a man whose actions contributed to the spread of illicit activities.
Regardless of opinions, the grace granted by Trump marks a turning point in Ulbricht’s life.
Furthermore, it represents an emblematic example of how presidential decisions can influence the lives of individuals and, more generally, the dynamics of the judicial system.
In other words, the release of Ross Ulbricht opens a new phase for a man who has spent over a decade behind bars.
Amid the support of the crypto community, the potential financial resources, and the mystery of the dormant Bitcoin, the future of Ulbricht remains uncertain but full of possibilities.