Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the notorious darknet marketplace Silk Road, has received a donation of 300 Bitcoin (BTC), currently valued at approximately $31.4 million, from an undisclosed wallet, according to data from Arkham Intelligence. This significant influx of funds comes after Ulbricht was granted a full and unconditional pardon by U.S. President Donald Trump on January 21, 2025, leading to his release from prison after serving 12 years of a life sentence.
Blockchain data reveals that Ulbricht subsequently transferred the majority of these funds on June 1, sending roughly $31.29 million to one address and $10,000 to another.
This latest donation far surpasses previous contributions to Ulbricht since his release. The “Free Ross” campaign’s wallet reportedly received around $270,000 worth of Bitcoin in the days immediately following his freedom, intended to assist his “transition into his new life.”
The recent transactions coincide with an ongoing auction of Ulbricht’s personal items, which has already generated $1.8 million. The auction, being held on the Bitcoin-only marketplace Scarce City until June 2, features items from before his arrest and from his time in prison, including a sleeping bag, backpack, prison ID cards, and paintings he created.
In a note on Scarce City, Ulbricht stated, “I’ve decided to auction some personal items from before my arrest and during my time in prison. I don’t need the reminders, and I’m sure some of you will love to have them.”
