> In the US, it's generally a crime to destroy evidence if you believe there's an investigation
There are situations where obstruction charges/fines/jail-time are far less severe than the crime originally intended for prosecution. Without the evidence on your system, the prosecution may not be able to put together a solid case.
If Ulbricht had been able to destroy his data or shut off his laptop before the FBI (controversially) distracted and stole his laptop out from underneath his arms prior to arrest, the prosecution's case would not be nearly as strong. So far most of the evidence submitted in court has originated from his laptop and personal diary (kept on the laptop).
There are situations where obstruction charges/fines/jail-time are far less severe than the crime originally intended for prosecution. Without the evidence on your system, the prosecution may not be able to put together a solid case.
If Ulbricht had been able to destroy his data or shut off his laptop before the FBI (controversially) distracted and stole his laptop out from underneath his arms prior to arrest, the prosecution's case would not be nearly as strong. So far most of the evidence submitted in court has originated from his laptop and personal diary (kept on the laptop).