In 2015, Ross Ulbricht, the brains behind the Silk Road online marketplace, was given two life sentences. This milestone marks ten years imprisonment for him, and again, raises questions on the fairness of his sentence.
The notorious Bitcoin paying illegal transactions in the Silk Road amounted to $1.2 billion in transactions of Bitcoins and $80 million in commissions. The fans of Ulbricht claim that his sentence is too severe when compared to other persons involved in the marketplace who received shorter prison terms and some are now free.
The prosecution relies on the FBI seizure of the laptop in 2013 that resulted in Ulbricht’s arrest and eventual conviction. While some call for his release given the length of his sentence, others cite allegations that he was involved in questionable activities including hiring hitmen.
The Silk Road saga still asks questions regarding the punishment of online criminal activities, as other platforms are used for similar transactions. Ulbricht’s case is still a subject of intense debate, with the supporters arguing to reassess his sentence.
Also Read: US Government Moves $300M in Bitcoin Tied to Silk Road Case