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Kraken Donates $111,111 in Bitcoin to Ross Ulbricht

  • Kraken gives $111,111 in Bitcoin to Ross Ulbricht to help him rebuild his life post-release.
  • Coinbase’s Conor Grogan uncovers 430 BTC connected to Ulbricht, untouched for over 13 years.
  • The revelation and donation spark debates around funds linked to Silk Road’s controversial legacy.
  • Kraken encourages the crypto community to contribute to Ulbricht’s support.
  • Mystery surrounds whether Ulbricht can still access the rediscovered BTC.

Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, is getting some unexpected help as he adjusts to life outside of prison. Kraken, a popular cryptocurrency exchange, has donated $111,111 worth of Bitcoin to support him.

https://twitter.com/jespow/status/1881857447134163208

But that’s not the only surprise. A stash of Bitcoin tied to Ulbricht—untouched for over a decade—has been rediscovered, and its value today is a jaw-dropping $47 million.

Kraken Steps In

Kraken announced their donation on X (formerly Twitter), saying they want to give Ulbricht a fair shot at rebuilding his life. They also encouraged the wider Bitcoin community to chip in by setting up a public wallet.

https://twitter.com/krakenfx/status/1882145752303993342

“Dear Ross, after everything you’ve been through, we want to help you start fresh,” the company shared.

This comes after Ulbricht received a presidential pardon, which was a major moment in the crypto world. Kraken’s co-founder, Jesse Powell, even called on others to push for clemency for Roger Ver, another major figure in Bitcoin’s early days, often nicknamed “Bitcoin Jesus.”

$47 Million Found in Dormant Wallets

Meanwhile, Conor Grogan from Coinbase dropped another bombshell. He found 430 Bitcoin spread across multiple wallets that were connected to Ulbricht. These wallets have been untouched for over 13 years, since Ulbricht’s arrest.

https://twitter.com/jconorgrogan/status/1882046613709115875

“Back then, these wallets probably seemed insignificant,” Grogan explained. “Now, they’re worth millions. Welcome back, Ross.”

The wallets, which were mentioned in Ulbricht’s trial documents, raise some interesting questions. Does he still have access to the keys? Will Bitcoin stay untouched? For now, no one knows.

Mixed Reactions

Not everyone is thrilled about the rediscovery. While some in the crypto world see it as a chance for Ulbricht to get a fresh start, others aren’t so sure.

“Some things are better left in the past,” one user commented online.

Grogan stayed cautious, avoiding any specific details about the wallets, but he pointed out that the information is publicly available from trial records. Whether Ulbricht can actually access the funds is still up in the air.

A Complicated Legacy

Ulbricht’s story has always sparked debates—about justice, crypto’s role in society, and the balance between innovation and responsibility. With Kraken’s donation and the rediscovered Bitcoin, his next chapter is bound to be just as complex as the last.

What happens next? That depends on whether the crypto community continues to back him, and whether those long-dormant wallets come to life.