US extradition of Silk Road suspect OK'd by Irish judge

Davis' lawyers concerned about his Aspergers Syndrome and depression

An Irish court has authorized the extradition to the US of a man accused of helping to administer the infamous Silk Road website.

Gary Davis, 27, of Kilpedder, Co Wicklow, has moved one step closer to a US trial on charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, computer hacking and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Mr Justice Paul McDermott rejected arguments against the extradition of Davis, who reportedly suffers from both depression and Asperger Syndrome. As well as health and human rights grounds, the arguments against extradition also involved rejected procedures and legal objections, the Irish Times reports.

The Irish High Court ruling is not the final say in the matter, which Team Davis is expected to appeal, UTV Ireland adds. Lawyers for Davis continue to argue that their client ought to be tried in Ireland, if anywhere.

The Silk Road, for around two years prior to its takedown by the FBI in October 2013, offered an online black market for all manner of illicit goods and services. Punters paid for drugs and other purchases using Bitcoin, the digital currency that offers at least a degree of anonymity.

Davis allegedly served as an administrator of the site under the handle "Libertas" between June 2013 and October 2013. His (fairly junior) role in Ross Ulbricht's Silk Road operation involved handling customer queries and catalogue items offered for sale through the underground sites. A US Department of Justice statement issued just after the closure of the Silk Road and explaining the charges against Davis can be found here. ®