The mastermind behind the “Silk Road” online marketplace that facilitated millions of dollars of drug sales has been given a full and unconditional pardon by US President Donald Trump.

The appointment brings a veteran of a major credit card network player to the company’s board at a time when cryptocurrency firms are looking to establish higher trust and credibility.

Donald Trump has offered a flurry of pardons since taking office earlier this week, including one for the Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht.