Ross Ulbricht Advocates for ‘Freedom, Decentralization, and Unity’

Speaking at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the darknet marketplace Silk Road, delivered his first speech since being released from prison, highlighting three principles for the future: “freedom, decentralization, and unity.”

He began by thanking Donald Trump and supporters of the U.S. president who facilitated his release, but added:

“As for [full] freedom, we have not yet achieved it. We still have to gain more freedom.”

Addressing the crypto community, Ulbricht emphasized that the principles he outlined are crucial elements of the next technological leap, which will liberate and empower people worldwide.

The creator of Silk Road drew an analogy between the first cryptocurrency and wasp nests, recounting a story about how he dealt with pests.

In his view, wasps pose a serious threat to an attacker because they, like Bitcoin supporters, are free and decentralized. However, Ulbricht managed to destroy the nests because the insects did not unite and attack when their kin were exterminated.

In prison, he also realized the importance of unity, noting that the correctional system encourages discord among inmates but shows respect if they act in solidarity.

“Therefore, as long as we agree that we deserve freedom and that decentralization is the way to ensure it, people can unite. We can support each other. Just as you supported me,” Ulbricht added.

Back in January, Trump pardoned Ulbricht, who was serving two life sentences. The initiative was one of the president’s campaign promises.

Later, Coinbase’s Director of Product Conor Grogan discovered 430 BTC in wallets allegedly linked to the Silk Road founder.