In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Thomas White, then 24, of Liverpool, Merseyside, has likely completed the custodial portion of his five-year and four-month sentence. White, a self-taught computer programmer and university dropout, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court in April 2019 for his role as the “guiding mind” behind the dark web marketplace Silk Road 2.0.
The investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) established that White utilized the alias “Dread Pirate Roberts” to run a global “black market” for illegal drugs, hacking tools, and stolen data. While he profited “viciously” from commission on tens of thousands of sales, his “depraved” interest in child abuse was uncovered when officers found 464 Category A images on an encrypted laptop under his bed.
Asset Forfeiture and The NCA Theft Scandal
In November 2021, a “critical” development reported that White was ordered to forfeit £493,550 in Bitcoin. However, the case took a “bizarre” and “shocking” turn in 2025:
- Internal Theft: It was revealed that an NCA officer involved in the 2017 investigation had “viciously” stolen approximately 50 BTC from White’s seized wallet.
- Detection: The theft was discovered after a 5-year dormancy period, during which the funds were moved through a mixing service.
- Recovery: In July 2025, investigators recovered $1.3 million in stolen Bitcoin. The officer involved pleaded guilty to the theft, marking a significant breach of trust within the agency.
Judicial Findings and “Masquerading”
Judge Thomas Teague QC described White as “manipulative” and “forthright” online while appearing “opposite” in the real world. Despite his “accounting student” persona, White was actively planning to launch a dedicated website for paedophiles, “vilely” stating in encrypted chats that “there is money to be made from these people.”
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his “abhorrent” crimes in Merseyside, Thomas White was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Five years and four months in immediate custody.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were imposed for 10 years.
- Financial Forfeiture: Forfeiture of all electronic items and nearly half a million pounds in cryptocurrency.
Monitoring and Public Protection
White is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Merseyside Police. His history of “systematic” dark web administration and “persistent” interest in child exploitation means his status remains under “critical” scrutiny.
As a registered sex offender until at least 2029, White must comply with strict notification requirements regarding his address in Liverpool, Merseyside, and his use of any internet-enabled devices. Merseyside Police state that they will use specialised cybercrime units to monitor his digital activity. Any attempt to access the dark web or a breach of his registration conditions will result in his immediate return to Liverpool Crown Court.
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