Sam "SBF" Bankman-Fried, the ex-CEO of crypto exchange FTX, shares his thoughts on his legal troubles and FTX's downfall, possibly for the last time before going to federal prison.
He addressed the media from behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, asserting that he had no ill will in the events leading to the crypto exchange's collapse.
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As ABC News reported on April 1, Bankman-Fried said he believed his actions were not illegal. However, he admitted to setting a high standard for himself that he ultimately failed to meet.
He expressed remorse for the losses incurred by stakeholders, emphasizing that he never intended to cause harm or financial loss. This echoes his statement prior to the court's decision, where he admitted to making poor choices but opposed any allegations of fraud or malicious intent.
He said:
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 once again stated that if he had remained CEO, FTX could have overcome its financial troubles and reimbursed its customers sooner. This narrative, however, contradicts the current CEO's recent statement explaining that the crypto exchange was left with insufficient assets upon his takeover.
SBF's conviction on seven felony charges marks the end of a saga that saw FTX declare bankruptcy in November 2022. Despite his claims of innocence and unintended consequences, the court handed down a 25-year prison term. Judge Lewis Kaplan, presiding over the case, suggested a facility within the San Francisco Bay Area for Bankman-Fried's incarceration.
Bankman-Fried's legal team announced plans to appeal the verdict immediately following the sentencing, though no formal appeal had been filed at the time of the report. Legal analysts have noted that the ex-CEO might reduce his sentence through good behavior; however, the federal system does not offer parole.
The saga of Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX stands as a warning, reminding us of the need for ethical leadership and the repercussions when it is lacking.
