news.bitcoin.com
The infamous libertarian was serving two life sentences for selling drugs online in exchange for bitcoin and had languished in prison for nearly twelve years.
Ulbricht’s EBay Jab Sparks Speculation About New Online Marketplace
Ross Ulbricht knows a thing or two about e-commerce. His site Silk Road, generated more than $200 million in sales according to U.S. Customs Immigration and Enforcement (ICE). And now, after a little frustration with Ebay’s less than stellar customer service, the former Boy Scout turned drug lord, hinted at a return to e-commerce, hopefully, a legal marketplace this time.
Ulbricht was serving two life sentences and an additional forty years after being convicted on multiple charges related to running Silk Road. The fact that his platform accepted bitcoin made him a celebrity in the crypto community. Miraculously, the forty-year-old was released after spending nearly twelve years in prison when President Donald Trump pardoned him on January 21, 2025.
On Tuesday, Ulbricht expressed his frustration with online auction site Ebay when it failed to verify his identification for more than a week. He had been trying to auction off some personal belongings. Then on Wednesday, Ulbricht finally got the hint, Ebay knew about his past and didn’t want him on their site, so he thought about launching a competing platform.
“First time I have felt discriminated against since going free,” Ulbricht posted. “Gee, maybe I should start my own ecommerce website. What’ll I call it?”
The former lifer was probably joking, but if not, he already has several high-profile supporters. Zeus bitcoin wallet offered to assist Ulbricht with setting up Lightning payments. The Lightning network is a Bitcoin layer-2 solution for cheaper and faster transactions.
“We’d be happy to help or at least get you up to speed,” Zeus replied. “DMs are open.”
But Saifedean Ammous, author of the revered text, “The Bitcoin Standard,” jokingly offered much more cautious advice.
“Just do a garage sale this time,” Ammous said.