Crypto exchange Kraken has made a generous donation of $111,111 in Bitcoin (BTC) to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous Silk Road marketplace, following his recent pardon by US President Donald Trump.
The donation was sent to an address on freeross.org, a website dedicated to Ulbricht’s cause. So far 93 donors have sent 2.5 Bitcoin which equals $261,000 in donations.
Dear Ross,
All of us at Kraken want to make sure that after what you’ve been through, you’re able to land on your feet with the support of the community that loves you most, the ₿itcoin community.
That’s why we’ve donated $111,111 in $BTC to YOU
-Kraken pic.twitter.com/SCnZety71W
— Kraken Exchange (@krakenfx) January 22, 2025
t plus 40 years for nonviolent offenses, had his ]sentence commuted by President Trump on his second day in office.
This move fulfilled a campaign promise to libertarians and the crypto community, who viewed Ulbricht’s punishment as excessively harsh. Kraken’s contribution comes amid new revelations about Ulbricht’s Bitcoin wallets, which reportedly contain BTC worth $47 million as of January 22, 2025.
While Coinbase’s Conor Grogan raised doubts about whether Ulbricht still holds the keys to those wallets, the crypto community is eagerly awaiting further developments.
The pardon has reignited discussions around Silk Road’s lasting impact, with some viewing Ulbricht as an early crypto pioneer rather than a criminal. In addition, a documentary about Ulbricht’s life is currently in post-production.
Many in the crypto world are optimistic that this move signals a future that includes pro-crypto executive orders, like a strategic Bitcoin reserve, under President Trump’s leadership.
[cryptotimes]