Episode #20 – The Silk Road... to Trouble

Digital Desperados

Today on the Digital Desperados Podcast, the gang dive into the story of Ross Ulbricht, better known on the dark web as the Dread Pirate Roberts. Born in Austin, Texas, Ulbricht was a bright student and even an Eagle Scout who became obsessed with libertarianism during his college years. This obsession led him to create the Silk Road, an anonymous online marketplace using super encrypted browser Tor and Bitcoin. Despite starting as a free-market experiment, Silk Road quickly became a hub for illegal activities, including drug trafficking and counterfeit goods.

Ulbricht's meticulous planning couldn't save him from capture; he was arrested in a library, caught managing the site live. Convicted on multiple charges, he received two life sentences plus additional sentences without parole. Silk Road's legacy lives on, inspiring numerous dark web markets. Protect your loved ones from going to sketchy sites like Silk Road by installing the SaferNet app!