Disgraced bitcoin evangelist Charlie Shrem is already talking about a comeback.

Minutes after pleading guilty to helping drug dealers launder $1 million via the virtual currency through the illicit Silk Road website Shrems lawyer said his client is hoping the bitcoin industry welcomes him back with open arms.

If permitted to be involved in bitcoin, he would pursue it doggedly, said Marc Agnifilo outside Manhattan federal court on Thursday. If God smiles upon him, hopefully he will be back in the bitcoin business, Agnifilo said.

Any pals of the 24-year-old felon, however, shouldnt plan the welcome-back party yet.

Under his plea agreement, Shrem faces up to five years in prison.

I knew that what I did was wrong, Shrem told Judge Jed Rakoff. I am pleading guilty because I am guilty.

Shrem ran BitInstant, a bitcoin exchange, before he was busted by the FBI.

His co-conspirator, Robert Faiella who ran an unlicensed money-transmitting business that Shrem was helping also pleaded guilty on Thursday to facilitating bitcoin transactions that he knew were being used to buy illegal narcotics.

Faiella, 54, also faces up to five years in prison.

Shrem at his office in 2013.Photo: JC Rice

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Bitcoin operator admits to aiding drug dealers launder $1M