Crypto Economics Consulting Group (CECG) has launched a long-term initiative that aims to supply printed literature to political prisoners incarcerated for cryptocurrency-related thoughtcrimes.

The group notes that people currently held in captivity in the United States due to bitcoin-related matters include John Powell, Robert Faiella, Ross Ulbricht, Charlie Shrem and others.

John Powell was convicted of operating an illegal money transfer business (he exchanged cash for bitcoins, thereby aiding anonymous illegitimate activities) and sentenced to four years in prison in December 2014.

Ross Ulbricht was the mastermind behind the darknet market Silk Road. He was found guilty on seven counts and is now serving a life sentence.

Charlie Shrem, CEO of BitInstant, was sentenced to two years in prison in December 2015. He was found guilty of supplying a substantial amount of bitcoin to people buying drugs on Silk Road. Faiella, his co-conspirator, was sentenced to four years imprisonment.

The CECG Book Club has already sent some books to the prisoners:

• The Way of Men by Jack Donovan
   
• Convict Conditioning by Paul Wade
   
• Solitary Fitness by Charlie Bronson

“Please note that due to prison regulations any suggested book must be available in paperback form (hardcover books or e-books are not permitted) and the regulations also preclude any "anti-government" literature or narratives that depict escape from prison”, the online post reads.

The group is open for suggestions regarding the literature that can be sent to the prisoners. Also, a wallet address has been provided on the website where people can make contributions. Alternatively, contributions can equally well be made in the form of Amazon.com gift certificates.

The CECG is a group of crypto-economists and Bitcoin enthusiasts dedicated to developing and supporting the rise of a bitcoin-based global economy.