Users on the Kalshi prediction market now estimate Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht's chances of being pardoned by Donald Trump within the first 100 days in office at 79%.
Kalshi and Pardoning Odds
On the Kalshi platform, discussion is active over the potential pardoning of Ross Ulbricht by the new president. Donald Trump stated that if elected, he would pardon Ulbricht, who has already served 11 years in prison. This statement was made at the Libertarian Party's National Convention on May 25, 2024, where Trump emphasized the importance of Ulbricht's release for the cryptocurrency community.
The Arrest and Trial of Ross Ulbricht
In 2011, Ross Ulbricht founded the dark web platform for trading contraband goods and services under the alias 'Dread Pirate Roberts'. Following a two-year investigation, in October 2013, U.S. law enforcement arrested Ulbricht, shut down the Silk Road, and seized around 174,000 bitcoins. Ulbricht faced charges including aiding and abetting drug distribution and money laundering conspiracy. In February 2014, Ulbricht pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty on all charges the following year. He was sentenced to life in prison on May 29, 2015.
Ulbricht's Comments on Potential Pardon
Ross Ulbricht expressed hope that Donald Trump would keep his promise to pardon him. He wrote on November 12, 2024, expressing gratitude and seeing a glimpse of freedom after over 11 years.
It's uncertain whether Donald Trump will fulfill his promise of pardoning, but the crypto community, especially Bitcoin supporters, continue to advocate for Ross Ulbricht's release as a significant move towards freedom.
