Is He The Cutest Big Crook in America?

[Guest Paragon]

Silk Road was an online drug market that made millions acting as the middleman for drug users and dealers across the country. And, "allegedly" it was this cute young guy masterminding it:

He's Ross Ulbricht, who was arrested at a San Francisco library, apparently with his laptop opened to the site. Silk Road, using Bitcoins, would hold the money for a drug transaction until the buyer verified that all was well. Taking a commission, the profits were huge as we know Americans love their drugs. Even a doctor was caught selling drugs through Silk Road.

How it all happened, and how the former Eagle Scout might have been involved, is the focus of a lengthy article in the NY Times; http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/19/business/eagle-scout-idealist-drug-trafficker.html?hp

Ulbricht, who is straight, btw, did not live a lavish lifestyle. In fact, when arrested, he was living in a group house with 7 other men. These guys couldn't believe that Ulbricht was a master criminal. The opposite, in fact. Yet if he is, he is also a murderer, as he ordered several murders...allegedly!

The article is fascinating if you want a look at a double life, a huge drug enterprise, and why Bitcoins are nicknamed "prosecution futures." We'll have to wait for the trial...or plea bargain...to learn if the government really has the goods on him. He might have a hard time in prison,

If the Times article does not satiate your curiosity, this even more fascinating article will help:

http://www.heavy.com/news/2013/10/ross-ulbricht-silk-road-tor-dread-pirate-roberts/

[MsGuy]

So did the guy he put the hit out on actually get killed?

[Guest Paragon]

It was my hope that you would read the article to find out!

[MsGuy]

Sorry, I only read the Heavy.com piece which, at least to me, wasn't clear.

The NYT article is better.