Posted on

FTX Co-Founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s Civil Liability Released In Settlement With Investors

According to a recent Bloomberg report, a group of investors and customers of cryptocurrency exchange FTX have agreed to drop their claims against co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried. 

In exchange, Bankman-Fried has agreed to cooperate with the plaintiffs in the ongoing lawsuits against other defendants related to the collapse of FTX.

Sam  Bankman-Fried And Insiders Settle

Per the report, if approved by a judge, this agreement would release Bankman-Fried from civil liability just weeks after being sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud stemming from allegations of stealing billions of dollars from FTX. 

The settlement, filed in federal court in Miami, stipulates that the plaintiffs in the multi-district litigation will resolve all current and future claims against Bankman-Fried.

Other FTX insiders, including former executives Gary Wang, Caroline Ellison, and Nishad Singh, who testified against Bankman-Fried, were also sued by investors. However, they have agreed to settle and have already started providing information to support the plaintiff’s case, as stated in the court filing. 

Notably, this leaves the high-profile celebrities, sports stars, and social media influencers who promoted FTX to investors and customers as the remaining defendants.

As part of the settlement agreement, Bankman-Fried has committed to assisting the plaintiffs’ lawyers in pursuing the remaining FTX endorsers. Additionally, he will provide all nonprivileged documents related to his assets and his investment in artificial intelligence start-up Anthropic. 

Bankman-Fried will also submit an affidavit certifying his net worth as negative and share documents about other defendants involved in the expansive civil litigation.

The list of defendants in the consolidated FTX lawsuits is extensive, with financiers and celebrity endorsers such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, and Gisele Bundchen accused of promoting “unregistered securities” and luring investors into a Ponzi scheme. 

Bankman-Fried’s agreement includes providing any relevant information about venture capital firms that invested in FTX and accountants and lawyers who worked with the exchange.

If successful, the plaintiffs could potentially win substantial amounts in damages. According to court filings, the settlements with the promoters involved in the agreement are estimated to be valued at around $1.3 million.

FTX Scandal Update

Bankman-Fried’s spokesperson, Mark Botnick, stated that his client is determined to make amends. Botnick emphasized that since the collapse of FTX, Bankman-Fried has focused solely on returning the estate’s assets to customers and ensuring they are made whole at current prices. 

Botnick expressed Bankman-Fried’s commitment to continue working with Adam Moskowitz and his team, representing the plaintiffs, to achieve this goal.

In their request for the judge’s approval of the settlement, the plaintiffs’ attorneys acknowledged the uncertainty and litigation risks associated with pursuing Bankman-Fried. They concluded that Bankman-Fried’s cooperation would be “valuable” in the remaining legal proceedings.

Bankman-Fried, who was found guilty at trial late last year and sentenced in late March, is currently in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, before being transferred to the prison where he will serve his term. He intends to appeal both his sentence and conviction.

FTX

Featured image from Reuters, chart from TradingView.com

Posted on

FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Breaks Silence, Announces Appeal For 25-Year Conviction

In a recent interview with ABC News, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the co-founder and former CEO of the now-bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX, spoke about his remorse and plans for an appeal following his recent 25-year prison sentence for fraud.

FTX Co-Founder Admits Errors

Bankman-Fried, currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, shared his reflections on the unfolding events. He admitted to making several “bad decisions” in 2022 that led to FTX’s insolvency.

Although he claimed he had never considered his actions illegal, Bankman-Fried acknowledged falling short of the “high ethical standard” he set for himself.

During the sentencing, US District Judge Lewis Kaplan accused Bankman-Fried of perjury and evasiveness during his testimony, criticizing his lack of remorse for the crimes committed. In response, Bankman-Fried affirmed his remorse and expressed empathy for the thousands of customers who suffered financial losses. SBF claimed the following:

I’m haunted, every day, by what was lost. I never intended to hurt anyone or take anyone’s money. But I was the CEO of FTX, I was responsible for what happened to the company, and when you’re responsible it doesn’t matter why it goes bad. I’d give anything to be able to help repair even part of the damage. I’m doing what I can from prison, but it’s deeply frustrating not to be able to do more

Bankman-Fried also acknowledged the impact on his co-workers, who reportedly dedicated their lives to FTX, and the charities he supported, whose funding was affected by the company’s collapse. 

The disgraced crypto mogul expressed deep regret for “throwing away” what they had worked hard for and expressed a desire to repair at least part of the damage caused. Despite his efforts from prison, Bankman-Fried admitted to feeling frustrated by the limitations on what he could do to rectify the situation.

In his statement to the court, Bankman-Fried contended that if he or another FTX employee had remained CEO, customers would have been paid back by now. He attributed the delay in compensation to the company’s decision not to restart the FTX exchange, which he believed could have created long-term value.

Sam Bankman-Fried Claims ‘Unfair’ Trial, Plans Appeal

During the interview, Bankman-Fried also raised concerns about the fairness of his trial, specifically calling out Sullivan & Cromwell, the law firm representing FTX’s new owners. 

SBF accused them of colluding with the prosecution and preventing him from accessing key FTX documents shared with the prosecution. Bankman-Fried claimed this had a “detrimental effect” on the entire trial, including media coverage and the defense’s ability to present evidence in his favor.

Responding to Bankman-Fried’s claims, a spokesperson for Sullivan & Cromwell referred to Judge Kaplan’s sentencing remarks, highlighting Bankman-Fried’s perjury on the witness stand and his strategy of blaming lawyers and the bankruptcy process instead of accepting responsibility for his crimes.

Looking ahead, Bankman-Fried revealed that his defense team plans to appeal the conviction later this year, primarily based on certain trial testimony that he felt greatly misrepresented the actual events. He also mentioned the importance of introducing “crucial evidence” and presenting key witnesses, which his defense was allegedly not allowed to do during the trial.

As Bankman-Fried begins his prison term, he acknowledges the gravity of the situation, having lost everything. While expressing a desire to make a positive difference in the world, he recognizes the limitations of his current circumstances and remains committed to seeking justice through appeals.

Sam Bankman-Fried

Featured image from BBC News, chart from TradingView.com

Posted on

BREAKING: Sam Bankman-Fried Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison

In a highly anticipated courtroom verdict, Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for defrauding users. US District Judge Lewis Kaplan delivered the judgment during a Lower Manhattan federal courtroom hearing.

FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Sentenced

Judge Kaplan sternly criticized the defense’s argument, labeling it as “misleading, logically flawed, and speculative.” As reported by our sister site, Bitcoinist, Kaplan highlighted Bankman-Fried’s obstruction of justice and witness tampering during his defense, which were significant factors considered in the sentencing decision.

Bankman-Fried expressed remorse in a statement, acknowledging that his series of “selfish” decisions as the leader of FTX had led to the exchange’s downfall. He admitted to having “thrown it all away” and expressed regret that continues to haunt him daily.

Prosecutors had initially sought a maximum sentence of 50 years, while Bankman-Fried’s legal team argued for a maximum of 6 years. In November, Bankman-Fried was found guilty on seven criminal counts, and he has since been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Life Plans Shattered

Late Tuesday, prosecutors submitted documents containing testimonies from victims, shedding light on the impact of Bankman-Fried’s actions. One victim, whose name was redacted, wrote a letter dated March 15, describing the destruction of their entire life and the emotional toll it had taken on their family. 

They emphasized that they had entrusted their funds to FTX as a custodian, not consenting to the risks Bankman-Fried had taken with their money. The victim shared the suffering that had led to depression and even thoughts of suicide.

During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Bankman-Fried had diverted funds from FTX customers, amounting to as much as $8 billion. These funds were allegedly used to finance a wide range of external interests, including political initiatives, speculative investments, and funding the lifestyles of FTX executives.

Sam Bankman-Fried

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

Posted on

BREAKING: Sam Bankman-Fried Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison

In a highly anticipated courtroom verdict, Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for defrauding users. US District Judge Lewis Kaplan delivered the judgment during a Lower Manhattan federal courtroom hearing.

FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Sentenced

Judge Kaplan sternly criticized the defense’s argument, labeling it as “misleading, logically flawed, and speculative.” As reported by our sister site, Bitcoinist, Kaplan highlighted Bankman-Fried’s obstruction of justice and witness tampering during his defense, which were significant factors considered in the sentencing decision.

Bankman-Fried expressed remorse in a statement, acknowledging that his series of “selfish” decisions as the leader of FTX had led to the exchange’s downfall. He admitted to having “thrown it all away” and expressed regret that continues to haunt him daily.

Prosecutors had initially sought a maximum sentence of 50 years, while Bankman-Fried’s legal team argued for a maximum of 6 years. In November, Bankman-Fried was found guilty on seven criminal counts, and he has since been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Life Plans Shattered

Late Tuesday, prosecutors submitted documents containing testimonies from victims, shedding light on the impact of Bankman-Fried’s actions. One victim, whose name was redacted, wrote a letter dated March 15, describing the destruction of their entire life and the emotional toll it had taken on their family. 

They emphasized that they had entrusted their funds to FTX as a custodian, not consenting to the risks Bankman-Fried had taken with their money. The victim shared the suffering that had led to depression and even thoughts of suicide.

During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Bankman-Fried had diverted funds from FTX customers, amounting to as much as $8 billion. These funds were allegedly used to finance a wide range of external interests, including political initiatives, speculative investments, and funding the lifestyles of FTX executives.

Sam Bankman-Fried

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

Posted on

FTX And IRS Lock Horns Over $24 Billion Tax Bill, FTT’s Key Support Wavers

In a striking turn of events, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States has presented a staggering tax bill of $24 billion against the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX. 

FTX Challenges IRS’s $24 Billion Tax Bill

According to court filings and FTX’s response to the IRS’s claims, several key arguments challenge the basis of the tax bill. Firstly, FTX highlights that its operations spanned three years, never distributing dividends or earnings. 

Secondly, the exchange’s defense attorneys claim that the company incurred substantial losses rather than generating income that could support the IRS’s “exorbitant” tax claim. 

Thirdly, the lawyers argue that FTX is currently in liquidation and is not engaged in any ongoing business activities apart from those required for the liquidation process. 

Finally, the company emphasizes that the recovery sought by the IRS would ultimately come at the expense of FTX’s victims, as the funds would be redirected away from their rightful recipients. 

As the court hearing approaches, FTX asserts that proceeding with a court-supervised estimation process would demonstrate the company’s significant losses during its operational period, rendering the IRS’s claim “baseless.” 

FTX emphasizes that any forced payment would harm the victims of the FTX fraud, many of whom are already grappling with “profound losses.”

FTX’s administrators have managed to recover approximately $7 billion in assets, including $3.4 billion in cryptocurrencies. These figures underscore the complex financial landscape surrounding the IRS’s claim against FTX.

As the courtroom showdown ensues, the case outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of crypto taxation and the recovery prospects of FTX’s creditors. 

FTT’s Bullish Trend Holds Strong

As the cryptocurrency market experiences a significant correction following a bullish surge led by Bitcoin (BTC), FTX’s native token, FTT, has seen a decline of over 5% in the past 24 hours, adding to the company’s legal concerns.

After a three-month accumulation phase that kept FTT trading in a range between $0.9 and $1.2 from September to the beginning of November, the token witnessed an impressive surge in the last month, reaching its highest price of the year at $6.042, a level not seen since November 2022.

FTX

However, the token has retraced to its current price mark of $4.8, with the next support level at $4.45 in case of further downward movement.

On a positive note, FTT is trading above key moving averages, including the 200-day and 50-day MA, which provide support and indicate the potential for further upward price action.

Furthermore, since the beginning of November, FTT has consistently recorded higher highs and higher lows, forming an uptrend pattern. This trend has been observed three times, with the token experiencing an uptrend, followed by a pullback for a support test, and then a continuation to reach new highs.

Assuming this trend continues and the legal developments do not have a significant impact on the price of the token, FTT may be poised for a significant rise in the coming months, given the remarkable uptrend pattern seen on the daily chart.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

Posted on

Disgraced FTX Co-Founder Placed On Suicide Watch In Prison, Reveals Former Inmate

Sam Bankman-Fried, the co-founder of the FTX crypto exchange, who was recently found guilty of multiple counts of criminal fraud, reportedly faced a harrowing experience while incarcerated. 

According to a former mobster turned federal informant, Gene Borrello, who shared a prison cell with Bankman-Fried, the disgraced crypto executive was placed on suicide watch and endured challenging conditions during his time at Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) while awaiting sentencing next year.

FTX Co-Founder Subjected To Extortion

The details emerged during an interview with crypto blogger Tiffany Fong, where Borrello disclosed the troubling circumstances surrounding Bankman-Fried’s imprisonment. 

The former detainee recounted how Bankman-Fried was subjected to suicide watch, extortion attempts, and even periods of self-neglect, including refusing to eat or shower for several days.

In an attempt to protect Bankman-Fried from potential harassment or extortion, authorities segregated him from gang members within the prison facility. However, despite these precautions, Borrello’s intervention reportedly foiled an extortion plot against the crypto mogul.

Borrello further revealed that he prevented the extortionists from coercing Bankman-Fried into sharing a bunk with them, placing the FTX co-founder in a solitary wing. Additionally, Bankman-Fried’s parents reportedly requested his transfer to the solitary unit to ensure his safety.

Drastic Change In Prison?

Describing the physical and emotional toll on Bankman-Fried, Borrello highlighted the crypto executive’s frail appearance, likening it to that of an elderly man. Borrello stated on the matter:

He has the body of an 80-year-old man. He has, like, no shape to him. When he talks to you, he puts his head down; he’s very timid, he talks very nervously. 

Borrello also noted Bankman-Fried’s timid demeanor, with the co-founder displaying signs of nervousness during interactions. 

In one conversation, Borrello confronted Bankman-Fried, stating that he had never been in a physical altercation before and questioned his association with gang members.

As reported by our sister site, Bitcoinist, Bankman-Fried received unique treatment in prison, where he allegedly received special privileges for sharing cryptocurrency-related information with prison guards and fellow inmates.

However, Borrello’s account offers a contrasting perspective, emphasizing the challenges and vulnerabilities the disgraced executive faced behind bars.

As Bankman-Fried’s sentencing approaches, his time in prison, including allegations of bullying and the ultimate impact on his legal proceedings, continues to draw attention. 

The revelations from Borrello’s interview provide a rare glimpse into the world of the disgraced FTX co-founder, and it remains to be seen what other revelations may be made in prison for Bankman-Fried as his sentencing trial looms in 2024.

FTX

At present, the native token of FTX, FTT, is trading at $4.0997, indicating a decrease of 2.8% in the past 24 hours. However, it is noteworthy that the token has experienced a substantial surge of 216% year to date.

Featured image from Shutterstock, a chart from TradingView.com 

Posted on

Binance Compliance Officer Under Scrutiny For FTX, Gemini, And Sex Trafficker Associations

In a recent investigative report by the media outlet Unlimited Hangout, serious allegations were made against Noah Perlman, the chief compliance officer of Binance. 

The report highlights Perlman’s alleged ties to the collapse of FTX, the troubled Gemini exchange owned by the Winklevoss twins, and even convicted and deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

If the allegations made by the media outlet prove true, and Perlman is investigated by US authorities, Binance could find itself embroiled in another executive scandal following the departure of former CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ).

Associations With Epstein And Alleged Fraud 

Unlimited Hangout alleges that Perlman’s father, Itzhak Perlman, a renowned violinist, had flown on multiple occasions on a plane owned by Jeffrey Epstein. Itzhak Perlman also reportedly accompanied Epstein to Michigan’s Interlochen Center for the Arts, where Epstein later built a lodge for him, which was later described as a “lair to target girls.” 

While Noah Perlman served as a federal prosecutor for the Department of Justice’s Special Coordinator for Crimes against Children, these family connections to Epstein raise questions about his associations.

After leaving the Department of Justice, Perlman joined Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange owned by the Winklevoss Twins, as the chief compliance officer. Although Perlman had left Gemini months before the New York Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the exchange, he had been allegedly “heavily involved” in Gemini’s Earn program, which became the focus of the alleged $1.1 billion fraud. 

As reported by NewsBTC, the lawsuit alleges that certain individuals knew that the program’s partner, Genesis, was financially unstable and withdrew their funds before its collapse.

Per the report, Perlman held the position of chief operating officer at the time, raising suspicions about his role in the alleged misconduct.

Troubled Bank’s Links To Binance Officer And FTX

Perlman’s involvement with Farmington State Bank, later renamed Moonstone, adds another layer of complexity to the alleged wrongdoing cited by Unlimited Hangout.

According to the report, in 2019, Perlman was listed as a director of FBH Corp., the entity that took over the rural bank. Moonstone Bank later garnered attention when Alameda Research, linked to FTX, acquired an $11.5 million stake. 

Sam Bankman-Fried, the former chief of FTX, also reportedly invested $50 million in the bank. However, Moonstone Bank faced regulatory challenges, with the Federal Reserve initiating an enforcement action against it shortly before the Bank of Eastern Oregon acquired its deposits and assets.

Overall, Perlman is at the center of serious allegations concerning his alleged connections with Jeffrey Epstein, the failed Earn program at Gemini, and Moonstone Bank. 

However, it is important to note that these allegations have not been substantiated by any investigations or official connections made by US authorities or other global agencies. 

The claims and allegations put forth by media news outlets require further response from Binance’s executives and investigation by relevant authorities.

There has been no official statement from Perlman regarding these allegations. It remains to be seen how the exchange and Perlman himself will address these claims and provide clarity on the matter.

Binance

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

Posted on

From Crypto To Catch: Disgraced FTX Founder Turns To Trading Fish In Prison

According to a report by Business Insider, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), co-founder and former CEO of FTX, has adapted to the economic system of New York’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), where he is currently awaiting sentencing on multiple felony counts. 

The disgraced crypto-billionaire has reportedly been bartering, using food as currency in exchange for various services within the prison.

Former FTX CEO SBF Trades Fish For Services

Per the report, mackerel, a fish commonly referred to as “macks” among inmates, emerged as the currency of choice in federal prisons after cigarettes were banned. The fish’s popularity stems from its stability and value within the prison economy. 

Formerly incarcerated individuals like attorney Larry Levin have accepted mackerel as payment from fellow prisoners, using it to acquire services such as beard trims and shoe shines. 

The demand for mackerel became so significant that suppliers, including Global Source Marketing, witnessed increased sales, according to Business Insider.

In a prison environment where inmates lack access to traditional or digital currency, products with steady value, such as certain food items and stamps, serve as substitutes for money. 

Mackerel and other stable commodities like tuna become a means of exchange, with their value pegged to the dollar. This economic logic allows inmates to engage in various transactions while maintaining a semblance of a barter system.

The use of fish as a medium of exchange in federal prisons has been widespread since 2004, following the cigarette ban. 

Sam Bankman-Fried faces sentencing on March 28, 2024, for charges that include wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, with a potential prison term of up to 110 years. Additionally, SBF is set to stand trial for separate counts related to political bribery.

 FTT Surges with Impressive Gains

FTT, the native token of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange, has seen a remarkable surge in value in recent weeks. With substantial gains across various timeframes and an impressive market capitalization of 1.5 billion, FTT has cemented its position among the top 50 tokens in the crypto market. 

Over the past 24 hours, FTT has experienced a significant increase of 21%, showcasing the token’s upward momentum. This short-term surge is complemented by a strong performance over the past week, with a notable rise of 26%. 

FTX

However, the real standout lies in FTT’s gains over the past 14 and 30 days. Within the last two weeks, FTT has skyrocketed by an impressive 100%, while the 30-day timeframe has seen an astounding surge of 315%. 

These gains highlight the growing demand and investor interest in FTT as rumors of a possible reboot of the exchange circulate within the crypto community.

Featured image from Bloomberg, chart from TradingView.com 

Posted on

Alameda Research Accused Of Bribing Chinese Officials To Recover $1 Billion In Exchange Accounts

During the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of crypto exchange FTX, shocking revelations emerged from the testimony of former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison. 

According to a TechCrunch report, Ellison testified that the crypto trading firm paid Chinese officials to unlock their Alameda trading accounts on OKX and Huobi in China.

Judge Lewis Kaplan clarified that Bankman-Fried was not charged with bribery in this case. Still, the evidence was presented to demonstrate trust, confidence, and motive between Bankman-Fried and Ellison.

Alameda Research Former CEO Exposes Hidden Payments To Chinese Officials

According to Ellison’s testimony, while Bankman-Fried was CEO in 2020, the accounts valued at approximately $1 billion were frozen. 

In November 2021, Bankman-Fried claimed that a colleague, David Ma, who had connections in China, found a way to unfreeze the accounts. 

Ellison, who had become co-CEO of Alameda by then, made crypto transfers totaling around $100 million to $150 million to reopen the accounts, unaware that the payments were made to Chinese officials. 

Ellison stated that Bankman-Fried and Sam Trabucco instructed her through a Signal chat to make the payments.

Before the accounts were reopened, Ellison revealed that Alameda employees explored various strategies to unlock the accounts, including involving lawyers and government officials. 

Ellison testified that they even considered using Thai prostitutes to open accounts on the exchanges to facilitate fund transfers, but these efforts were unsuccessful.

One Alameda trader, “Handi,” resigned in early January 2022 due to her objection to paying bribes to Chinese officials, as her father held a government position. 

Courtroom Clash

Ellison testified that Handi had a heated argument with Bankman-Fried about the matter, during which he allegedly told her to “shut the fuck up.” A month after Handi’s resignation, Trabucco asked in a Signal chat if Handi’s father had immediately reported them, to which Bankman-Fried responded with “lol.”

Ellison shared a list with prosecutors containing notes, one of which referred to a payment of “150m from the thing?” about the money transferred to regain the accounts. 

Per the report, Ellison explained that she did not want to explicitly state in writing that the payment was made to China to unlock the accounts, fearing that it could be leaked and used against Alameda Research in court.

Bankman-Fried’s defense lawyer, Mark Cohen, attempted to strike Ellison’s statement about avoiding written evidence of the payments, but Judge Kaplan overruled the request.

The trial continues to uncover new details and allegations, shedding light on the actions and motivations of the individuals involved, and the cryptocurrency community eagerly awaits further developments and the subsequent outcome of the trial.

Alameda Research

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com