Silk Road’s Chief Adviser Variety Jones Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

This week, U.S. authorities sentenced Silk Road’s chief adviser, Roger Thomas Clark, to 20 years in prison. The 61-year-old, who is better known online as Variety Jones, was reportedly the one who convinced Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht to hire a hitman to protect his drug empire.

The Rise and Fall of Silk Road

The famous Silk Road marketplace was closed 10 years ago, in 2013. At the same time, the FBI arrested its administrator and creator, Ross Ulbricht, who was later sentenced to life in prison. Two years later, in 2015, Roger Thomas Clark was arrested in Thailand, whom the investigation described as Ulbricht’s mentor, partner, and almost teacher. He was extradited to the United States in 2018 and charged with conspiracy to commit drug trafficking and money laundering.

Variety Jones’ Role in Silk Road

It is believed that it was Roger Thomas Clark, also known by the pseudonyms Variety Jones, Cimon and Plural of Mongoose, who advised Ulbricht on all matters related to the work of Silk Road. The authorities are convinced that it was Clark and his advice that helped develop the trading platform to the level of a criminal empire.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office cited Ulbricht’s personal diary, which described Clark as “a real mentor” who advised him on security vulnerabilities in the site and explained how to stimulate drug sales. Authorities believe Clark played a critical role in helping Ulbricht and Silk Road evade law enforcement investigations for a long time.
It is also known that Clark encouraged Ulbricht to order the murder of a former Silk Road employee accused of stealing more than $250,000 worth of bitcoin. Although the murder was never committed, prosecutors allege that Ulbricht paid the hitman $80,000.

Variety Jones Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

Now Roger Thomas Clark has been sentenced to 20 years for “conspiracy to distribute large amounts of drugs.” Back in 2020 Clark Prize pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute drugs, but even after that, the court rejected his request to serve no more than seven and a half years in prison. Now Variety Jones is likely to spend the rest of his life in jail.
The sentencing of Variety Jones serves as a reminder of the power of the dark web and the dangers of illegal activities. The Silk Road case has been a major milestone in the fight against cybercrime, and the conviction of Variety Jones is a significant victory for the U.S. justice system. It is a reminder that no one is above the law, and that those who engage in illegal activities will be held accountable for their actions.