The pardon fulfills Donald Trump's campaign promise and comes with support from the Libertarian movement.
Ulbricht served a decade of his original sentence of 40 years plus two life terms.
Ross Ulbricht, the creator of infamous darknet marketplace Silk Road
U.S.
President Donald Trump granted a full and unconditional pardon to Ross
Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous darknet marketplace Silk Road, who had
been serving multiple life sentences for operating the platform that
facilitated over $200 million in illicit trade using Bitcoin (BTC).
Trump Pardons Silk Road
Founder Ross Ulbricht After Decade-Long Imprisonment
The
40-year-old Ulbricht, who had been imprisoned in Arizona, was arrested in 2013
and sentenced in 2015 for running what prosecutors described as a global black
market bazaar used by more than 100,000 people to trade illegal drugs and other
illicit services.
Trump
announced the decision on his Truth Social platform, criticizing those involved
in Ulbricht's conviction and highlighting support from the Libertarian movement.
The pardon fulfills a campaign promise Trump made during a speech at the
Libertarian National Convention.
“I just
called the mother of Ross William Ulbricht to let her know that in honor of her
and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my
pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross,”
Trump
commented.
“The scum
that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in
the modern day weaponization of government against me,” he added.
Who Is Ross Ulbricht?
Ulbricht
operated Silk Road under the alias “Dread Pirate Roberts” from 2011
to 2013, creating a platform that leveraged the Tor network for anonymous
communications and Bitcoin for payments. While his defense argued the site was
intended as a “freewheeling, free market site,” prosecutors alleged
Ulbricht took extreme measures to protect the operation, including allegedly
soliciting murders, though no evidence showed any were carried out.
Silk Road
was so popular in 2013 that it is speculated that 80% of all Bitcoin mined up
to that point (over 50% of the total supply of 21 million) had been involved
with the dark market founded by Ulbricht. In 2022, the U.S. seized $3.5 billion worth of Bitcoin allegedly linked to marketplace operations.
The
landmark prosecution came during the early days of cryptocurrency adoption,
with Ulbricht's case highlighting the intersection of digital currencies and
illicit activities. His original sentence included 40 years plus two life
terms, which Trump called “ridiculous” in his pardon announcement.
“I wanted to empower people to make choices in their lives and have privacy and anonymity,” Ulbricht said during his sentencing almost 10 years ago.
The verdict sparked significant controversy, and for years, a “Free Ross” campaign has been ongoing, gathering over 600,000 signatures on petitions.
Source: Freeross.org
“After enduring over a decade of incarceration, this decision offers Ross the opportunity to begin anew, to rebuild his life, and to contribute positively to society,” Ulbricht's clemency attorney, Brandon Sample, commented.
U.S.
President Donald Trump granted a full and unconditional pardon to Ross
Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous darknet marketplace Silk Road, who had
been serving multiple life sentences for operating the platform that
facilitated over $200 million in illicit trade using Bitcoin (BTC).
Trump Pardons Silk Road
Founder Ross Ulbricht After Decade-Long Imprisonment
The
40-year-old Ulbricht, who had been imprisoned in Arizona, was arrested in 2013
and sentenced in 2015 for running what prosecutors described as a global black
market bazaar used by more than 100,000 people to trade illegal drugs and other
illicit services.
Trump
announced the decision on his Truth Social platform, criticizing those involved
in Ulbricht's conviction and highlighting support from the Libertarian movement.
The pardon fulfills a campaign promise Trump made during a speech at the
Libertarian National Convention.
“I just
called the mother of Ross William Ulbricht to let her know that in honor of her
and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my
pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross,”
Trump
commented.
“The scum
that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in
the modern day weaponization of government against me,” he added.
Who Is Ross Ulbricht?
Ulbricht
operated Silk Road under the alias “Dread Pirate Roberts” from 2011
to 2013, creating a platform that leveraged the Tor network for anonymous
communications and Bitcoin for payments. While his defense argued the site was
intended as a “freewheeling, free market site,” prosecutors alleged
Ulbricht took extreme measures to protect the operation, including allegedly
soliciting murders, though no evidence showed any were carried out.
Silk Road
was so popular in 2013 that it is speculated that 80% of all Bitcoin mined up
to that point (over 50% of the total supply of 21 million) had been involved
with the dark market founded by Ulbricht. In 2022, the U.S. seized $3.5 billion worth of Bitcoin allegedly linked to marketplace operations.
The
landmark prosecution came during the early days of cryptocurrency adoption,
with Ulbricht's case highlighting the intersection of digital currencies and
illicit activities. His original sentence included 40 years plus two life
terms, which Trump called “ridiculous” in his pardon announcement.
“I wanted to empower people to make choices in their lives and have privacy and anonymity,” Ulbricht said during his sentencing almost 10 years ago.
The verdict sparked significant controversy, and for years, a “Free Ross” campaign has been ongoing, gathering over 600,000 signatures on petitions.
Source: Freeross.org
“After enduring over a decade of incarceration, this decision offers Ross the opportunity to begin anew, to rebuild his life, and to contribute positively to society,” Ulbricht's clemency attorney, Brandon Sample, commented.
Damian's adventure with financial markets began at the Cracow University of Economics, where he obtained his MA in finance and accounting. Starting from the retail trader perspective, he collaborated with brokerage houses and financial portals in Poland as an independent editor and content manager. His adventure with Finance Magnates began in 2016, where he is working as a business intelligence analyst.
Elon Musk’s X Teases In-App Crypto Trading, but How Will It Work?
Executive Interview | Dor Eligula | Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, BridgeWise | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Dor Eligula | Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, BridgeWise | FMLS:25
In this session, Jonathan Fine form Ultimate Group speaks with Dor Eligula from Bridgewise, a fast-growing AI-powered research and analytics firm supporting brokers and exchanges worldwide.
We start with Dor’s reaction to the Summit and then move to broker growth and the quick wins brokers often overlook. Dor shares where he sees “blue ocean” growth across Asian markets and how local client behaviour shapes demand.
We also discuss the rollout of AI across investment research. Dor gives real examples of how automation and human judgment meet at Bridgewise — including moments when analysts corrected AI output, and times when AI prevented an error.
We close with a practical question: how retail investors can actually use AI without falling into common traps.
In this session, Jonathan Fine form Ultimate Group speaks with Dor Eligula from Bridgewise, a fast-growing AI-powered research and analytics firm supporting brokers and exchanges worldwide.
We start with Dor’s reaction to the Summit and then move to broker growth and the quick wins brokers often overlook. Dor shares where he sees “blue ocean” growth across Asian markets and how local client behaviour shapes demand.
We also discuss the rollout of AI across investment research. Dor gives real examples of how automation and human judgment meet at Bridgewise — including moments when analysts corrected AI output, and times when AI prevented an error.
We close with a practical question: how retail investors can actually use AI without falling into common traps.
Brendan Callan joined us fresh off the Summit’s most anticipated debate: “Is Prop Trading Good for the Industry?” Brendan argued against the motion — and the audience voted him the winner.
In this interview, Brendan explains the reasoning behind his position. He walks through the message he believes many firms avoid: that the current prop trading model is too dependent on fees, too loose on risk, and too confusing for retail audiences.
We discuss why he thinks the model grew fast, why it may run into walls, and what he believes is needed for a cleaner, more responsible version of prop trading.
This is Brendan at his frankest — sharp, grounded, and very clear about what changes are overdue.
Brendan Callan joined us fresh off the Summit’s most anticipated debate: “Is Prop Trading Good for the Industry?” Brendan argued against the motion — and the audience voted him the winner.
In this interview, Brendan explains the reasoning behind his position. He walks through the message he believes many firms avoid: that the current prop trading model is too dependent on fees, too loose on risk, and too confusing for retail audiences.
We discuss why he thinks the model grew fast, why it may run into walls, and what he believes is needed for a cleaner, more responsible version of prop trading.
This is Brendan at his frankest — sharp, grounded, and very clear about what changes are overdue.
Elina Pedersen on Growth, Stability & Ultra-Low Latency | Executive Interview | Your Bourse
Elina Pedersen on Growth, Stability & Ultra-Low Latency | Executive Interview | Your Bourse
Recorded live at FMLS:25 London, this executive interview features Elina Pedersen, in conversation with Finance Magnates, following her company’s win for Best Connectivity 2025.
🔹In this wide-ranging discussion, Elina shares insights on:
🔹What winning a Finance Magnates award means for credibility and reputation
🔹How broker demand for stability and reliability is driving rapid growth
🔹The launch of a new trade server enabling flexible front-end integrations
🔹Why ultra-low latency must be proven with data, not buzzwords
🔹Common mistakes brokers make when scaling globally
🔹Educating the industry through a newly launched Dealers Academy
🔹Where AI fits into trading infrastructure and where it doesn’t
Elina explains why resilient back-end infrastructure, deep client partnerships, and disciplined focus are critical for brokers looking to scale sustainably in today’s competitive market.
🏆 Award Highlight: Best Connectivity 2025
👉 Subscribe to Finance Magnates for more executive interviews, industry insights, and exclusive coverage from the world’s leading financial events.
#FMLS25 #FinanceMagnates #BestConnectivity #TradingTechnology #UltraLowLatency #FinTech #Brokerage #ExecutiveInterview
Recorded live at FMLS:25 London, this executive interview features Elina Pedersen, in conversation with Finance Magnates, following her company’s win for Best Connectivity 2025.
🔹In this wide-ranging discussion, Elina shares insights on:
🔹What winning a Finance Magnates award means for credibility and reputation
🔹How broker demand for stability and reliability is driving rapid growth
🔹The launch of a new trade server enabling flexible front-end integrations
🔹Why ultra-low latency must be proven with data, not buzzwords
🔹Common mistakes brokers make when scaling globally
🔹Educating the industry through a newly launched Dealers Academy
🔹Where AI fits into trading infrastructure and where it doesn’t
Elina explains why resilient back-end infrastructure, deep client partnerships, and disciplined focus are critical for brokers looking to scale sustainably in today’s competitive market.
🏆 Award Highlight: Best Connectivity 2025
👉 Subscribe to Finance Magnates for more executive interviews, industry insights, and exclusive coverage from the world’s leading financial events.
#FMLS25 #FinanceMagnates #BestConnectivity #TradingTechnology #UltraLowLatency #FinTech #Brokerage #ExecutiveInterview
In this video, we take an in-depth look at @BlueberryMarketsForex , a forex and CFD broker operating since 2016, offering access to multiple trading platforms, over 1,000 instruments, and flexible account types for different trading styles.
We break down Blueberry’s regulatory structure, including its Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), as well as its authorisation and registrations in other jurisdictions. The review also covers supported platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, Blueberry.X, and web-based trading.
You’ll learn about available instruments across forex, commodities, indices, share CFDs, and crypto CFDs, along with leverage options, minimum and maximum trade sizes, and how Blueberry structures its Standard and Raw accounts.
We also explain spreads, commissions, swap rates, swap-free account availability, funding and withdrawal methods, processing times, and what traders can expect from customer support and additional services.
Watch the full review to see whether Blueberry’s trading setup aligns with your experience level, strategy, and risk tolerance.
📣 Stay up to date with the latest in finance and trading. Follow Finance Magnates for industry news, insights, and global event coverage.
Connect with us:
🔗 LinkedIn: /financemagnates
👍 Facebook: /financemagnates
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financemagnates
🐦 X: https://x.com/financemagnates
🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemagnates
▶️ YouTube: /@financemagnates_official
#Blueberry #BlueberryMarkets #BrokerReview #ForexBroker #CFDTrading #OnlineTrading #FinanceMagnates #TradingPlatforms #MarketInsights
In this video, we take an in-depth look at @BlueberryMarketsForex , a forex and CFD broker operating since 2016, offering access to multiple trading platforms, over 1,000 instruments, and flexible account types for different trading styles.
We break down Blueberry’s regulatory structure, including its Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), as well as its authorisation and registrations in other jurisdictions. The review also covers supported platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, Blueberry.X, and web-based trading.
You’ll learn about available instruments across forex, commodities, indices, share CFDs, and crypto CFDs, along with leverage options, minimum and maximum trade sizes, and how Blueberry structures its Standard and Raw accounts.
We also explain spreads, commissions, swap rates, swap-free account availability, funding and withdrawal methods, processing times, and what traders can expect from customer support and additional services.
Watch the full review to see whether Blueberry’s trading setup aligns with your experience level, strategy, and risk tolerance.
📣 Stay up to date with the latest in finance and trading. Follow Finance Magnates for industry news, insights, and global event coverage.
Connect with us:
🔗 LinkedIn: /financemagnates
👍 Facebook: /financemagnates
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financemagnates
🐦 X: https://x.com/financemagnates
🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemagnates
▶️ YouTube: /@financemagnates_official
#Blueberry #BlueberryMarkets #BrokerReview #ForexBroker #CFDTrading #OnlineTrading #FinanceMagnates #TradingPlatforms #MarketInsights
Exness CMO Alfonso Cardalda on Cape Town office launch, Africa growth, and marketing strategy
Exness CMO Alfonso Cardalda on Cape Town office launch, Africa growth, and marketing strategy
Exness is expanding its presence in Africa, and in this exclusive interview, CMO Alfonso Cardalda shares how.
Filmed during the grand opening of Exness’s new Cape Town office, Alfonso sits down with Andrea Badiola Mateos from Finance Magnates to discuss:
- Exness’s marketing approach in South Africa
- What makes their trading product stand out
- Customer retention vs. acquisition strategies
- The role of local influencers
- Managing growth across emerging markets
👉 Watch the full interview for fundamental insights into the future of trading in Africa.
#Exness #Forex #Trading #SouthAfrica #CapeTown #Finance #FinanceMagnates
Exness is expanding its presence in Africa, and in this exclusive interview, CMO Alfonso Cardalda shares how.
Filmed during the grand opening of Exness’s new Cape Town office, Alfonso sits down with Andrea Badiola Mateos from Finance Magnates to discuss:
- Exness’s marketing approach in South Africa
- What makes their trading product stand out
- Customer retention vs. acquisition strategies
- The role of local influencers
- Managing growth across emerging markets
👉 Watch the full interview for fundamental insights into the future of trading in Africa.
#Exness #Forex #Trading #SouthAfrica #CapeTown #Finance #FinanceMagnates
