Ross Ulbricht Returns: Bitcoin Conference to Host First Public Speech After Trump Pardon

YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Ross Ulbricht, founder of Silk Road, confirmed he will speak at the upcoming Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas. It will be his first public appearance since leaving prison. He made the announcement on X, stating,

“It’s official. I am excited to announce that I will be making my first public appearance and speech since my release from prison at The Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas.”

The Bitcoin Conference is set to feature major figures from the crypto community, including developers, Bitcoin advocates, and blockchain users. Ulbricht’s appearance adds a notable name to the event. His return comes after a full Trump pardon issued in January 2025.

President Donald Trump granted Ross Ulbricht a full and unconditional pardon through an executive order. The move came on his first day back in office and fulfilled a 2024 campaign promise made at the Libertarian National Convention.

Silk Road Case Sent Ross Ulbricht to Life in Prison

Ross Ulbricht had been serving two life sentences plus 40 years with no chance of parole. In 2015, a U.S. federal court convicted him on seven charges tied to running the darknet marketplace known as Silk Road. These charges included conspiracy to traffic narcotics, computer hacking, and money laundering.

The Silk Road site was active from 2011 to 2013. It operated on the Tor network, which allowed users to stay anonymous. It used Bitcoin for all payments. According to prosecutors, this setup helped people buy and sell illegal drugs, fake documents, and hacking tools. At its peak, the platform had over 1.5 million transactions, worth around $213 million. The entire system worked without names, banking details, or traceable locations.

Authorities said the platform created a large online market for crime. They claimed it allowed dealers and buyers from around the world to connect without law enforcement oversight. Some listed drugs included heroin, cocaine, LSD, and methamphetamine. According to court documents, the site also offered services like hacking-for-hire and forged identity papers.

Ulbricht was arrested in October 2013 at a San Francisco public library. Agents had tracked his digital activity for months. They waited for him to log in as the site’s administrator using the alias “Dread Pirate Roberts.” When he did, they moved in quickly and took control of his laptop before he could close or encrypt it.

Inside the laptop, agents found key evidence. This included internal messages with site staff, financial spreadsheets, Silk Road’s server details, and his personal writings. Ulbricht’s journal entries described his original idea for the marketplace. He also noted how he tried to protect it from shutdown and how the site grew.

During the trial, prosecutors presented these files to show that Ross Ulbricht had built and managed the darknet marketplace. The defense admitted that Ulbricht created Silk Road, but they argued he gave up control before the site reached its peak. However, the jury found him guilty on all counts. He received the maximum sentence allowed under federal law.

Ross Ulbricht Stays Active in Crypto Community

The Silk Road case quickly became one of the most publicized legal actions in cryptocurrency history. The federal case against Ross Ulbricht included charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, hacking, and money laundering.

A graduate in physics and an early Bitcoin supporter, Ulbricht had written about wanting to build a free-trade platform beyond government reach. His writings and messages formed part of the case evidence. Investigators traced Bitcoin transactions and forum activity back to him.

After his release, Ross Ulbricht has remained connected with the crypto community. In February 2025, he voiced support for Roger Ver, a Bitcoin Cash advocate facing tax-related charges. His statement called for clemency and drew attention online.

While Ulbricht has not taken any official position in the industry, his Bitcoin Conference appearance shows a public return. It also marks his first step in re-engaging with an audience familiar with his past.  It is not clear yet what topics Ulbricht will address, but his link to Silk Road, Bitcoin transactions, and the broader darknet marketplace history makes his presence significant.