First public appearance since release
Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road marketplace, will return to the public eye for the first time since his release from prison earlier this year. Ulbricht will speak at the 2025 Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, a symbolic return to the community that has long viewed him as both a pioneer and a controversial figure.
Ulbricht was granted a full and unconditional pardon by President Donald Trump in January, ending more than 11 years of incarceration. Trump cited Libertarian support and criticized the length of Ulbricht’s sentence as "grossly disproportionate."
The Silk Road legacy
From 2011 to 2013, Ulbricht ran the Silk Road using the pseudonym “Dread Pirate Roberts.” The dark web marketplace allowed users to anonymously buy illicit goods, primarily drugs, using Bitcoin. The platform helped establish Bitcoin as the internet’s first viable digital currency, but also attracted massive scrutiny from law enforcement.
Ulbricht was arrested in 2013 and later convicted on charges including drug trafficking, money laundering, and computer hacking. While some murder-for-hire allegations surfaced, they were dropped before trial. He was sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years without the possibility of parole.
A divisive figure returns
To his supporters, Ulbricht symbolizes government overreach and the early ideals of financial freedom and internet privacy. His case has remained a cause célèbre for Libertarian groups, crypto advocates, and privacy-focused organizations.
His reappearance at one of the industry’s largest conferences underscores his continued relevance and signals the lasting impact of Silk Road on the broader crypto ecosystem.
