Sam Bankman-Fried Sentenced to 25 Years for $8 Billion Fraud

Former FTX Chief Executive, Sam Bankman-Fried, has been handed a 25-year prison sentence for his involvement in defrauding customers of the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX. 

U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan delivered the verdict, dismissing Bankman-Fried’s denial of customer losses and accusing him of deceit during trial proceedings. Bankman-Fried, aged 32, was found guilty of seven counts of fraud and conspiracy in connection with FTX’s 2022 collapse, deemed one of the most significant financial frauds in U.S. history.

Kaplan emphasized Bankman-Fried’s lack of remorse, stating, “He knew it was wrong. He regrets that he made a very bad bet about the likelihood of getting caught.” Despite Bankman-Fried acknowledging customer suffering and offering apologies to former colleagues, Kaplan stressed the gravity of the situation, highlighting the $8 billion loss suffered by FTX customers, among others.

Prosecutors sought a longer prison term, citing the extensive scale of criminality, while Bankman-Fried’s defense countered by portraying him as a math-oriented individual who made errors but lacked malicious intent. The MIT graduate’s parents, both Stanford University law professors, were present during the sentencing.

This sentencing marks the conclusion of Bankman-Fried’s dramatic fall from grace, highlighting the risks and consequences associated with fraudulent activities in the cryptocurrency industry.

Also Read: Former FTX Co-CEO Ryan Salame to Be Sentenced on May 1