Hello everyone, this is Pavluu! I was inspired to write this post after reading this article, but instead of translating it, I decided to summarize the key points since the original is a bit long-winded.
Let’s be honest, we’re all curious: What happened to those infamous Darknet figures who got caught by law enforcement? Do they have any contact with the outside world? Are they still alive, and is there any hope for their release?
Who Is the Creator of Silk Road?
Today, we’re talking about the creator of Silk Road. Here’s a quick background for those unfamiliar:
- Ross William Ulbricht (also known as Dread Pirate Roberts) was the owner of the anonymous marketplace Silk Road.
- He was arrested on October 2, 2013, in San Francisco on charges of drug trafficking, hacking, and conspiracy to launder money.
- Prison sentence: 2 life sentences plus 40 years, with no possibility of parole.
Does He Have a Twitter Account?
Yes, he does. Here’s his account for communicating with the outside world:
Of course, Ross doesn’t run the account himself; he dictates tweets to those who visit him. The authenticity of the account is confirmed on FreeRoss.org.
Why Does He Need Twitter?
As Ross has written, a presidential pardon is his last hope. Considering that the current U.S. president is Donald Trump, anything is possible.
The Twitter account has already gained 21,000 followers. In addition, a petition for Ross’s release on change.org has gathered 72,000 signatures.
What Are His Chances?
In June, Ross was denied an appeal, effectively ending his chances for a reduced sentence or a lighter regime. However, right after this, Ross’s mother, Lyn (who is also his attorney), launched a major campaign on Twitter and change.org.
It’s important to note that Ross is often portrayed as a victim of an unfair trial, but people also remember that Silk Road’s annual turnover was $30 million. Moreover, he allegedly ordered the murders of about five people, even if these turned out to be fake (for more, read “America’s No. 1 Cybercriminal!”).
In short, the situation is very complicated and controversial.
Sign the Petition for Ross!
If you want to support Ross, consider signing the petition for his release.
— Pavluu