In the Southern District of New York, a US federal judge has delivered a significant blow to Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX, sentencing him to 25 years behind bars.

Sam Bankman-Fried Appears In Court For New Charges Of Bribing Chinese Officials
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried arrives at Manhattan Federal Court for a court appearance on March 30, 2023 in New York City. A revised indictment was filed in federal court accusing Bankman-Fried of paying a $40 million bribe to one or more Chinese government officials. He has already been charged with eight criminal counts of fraud, conspiracy, and money-laundering offenses which include making illegal political contributions.
(Photo : (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images))

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This verdict follows a month-long trial that concluded last November, during which Bankman-Fried, often referred to as SBF, was found guilty on seven counts of fraud and conspiracy. The charges stem from the collapse of FTX in November 2022, triggered by a depletion of funds necessary for customer withdrawals.

The jury's investigation revealed a complex scheme orchestrated by Bankman-Fried, whereby billions of dollars' worth of user funds were diverted to a sister company. These funds were then utilized for high-risk trading, venture investments, debt settlements, personal loans, political contributions, and a lavish lifestyle centered in the Bahamas. Described by the US government as one of the most significant financial frauds in history, Bankman-Fried's actions were condemned for their unparalleled greed and disregard for legal boundaries.

US-fraud-court-currency-FTX
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried leaves following his arraignment in New York City on December 22, 2022. New York judge Gabriel Gorenstein ordered Bankman-Fried be released on $250 million bail Thursday while he awaits trial on criminal fraud charges over the spectacular collapse of his crypto exchange.
(Photo : (Photo by Ed JONES / AFP) (Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images))

During the sentencing, Judge Lewis Kaplan emphasized the severity of the crime, highlighting the immense damage caused by Bankman-Fried's actions, his audacity in executing the scheme, and his lack of regard for truth. Bankman-Fried, standing with a calm demeanor, received the judgment as a conclusion to his tumultuous journey.

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This verdict marks a stark contrast to Bankman-Fried's meteoric rise in the crypto world. Between 2019 and 2022, he propelled FTX to a valuation of $32 billion, ascending to the status of the world's youngest self-made billionaire. Enjoying celebrity-like status, Bankman-Fried rubbed shoulders with regulators, politicians, and celebrities, earning accolades from venture capitalists and the media alike. However, his aspirations, including reportedly harboring presidential ambitions, now lie shattered amidst the ruins of his empire.

Tags: cryptocurrency FTX Sam Bankman-Fried fraud conspiracy sentencing downfall