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B.C. judge rejects U.S. extradition for man linked to Silk Road

On June 11, 2025, a judge in British Columbia refused a U.S. request to extradite James Ellingson, who is charged with selling drugs through the Silk Road marketplace between 2011 and 2013.
The judge found insufficient evidence that Ellingson controlled Bitcoin accounts linked to illicit drug transactions, emphasizing the need for proof under Canadian law.
The decision followed a meticulous review that highlighted challenges of tracking anonymous Bitcoin transactions and recognized Ellingson's alleged use of an elaborate ruse.
Justice Lisa Warren ruled on May 30, noting the evidentiary gaps, while experts called the refusal rare, and the Department of Justice has 30 days to consider an appeal.
This rare refusal signals shifting legal standards amid complex digital evidence and suggests that future extradition may face increased scrutiny in a tech-driven landscape.

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