Sam Bankman-Fried Transferred to New Facility Amid Pardon Efforts

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried has recently been relocated from Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center to FTC Oklahoma City, a facility that temporarily houses inmates during transfers.

Although the reason for this move remains unclear, it follows a controversial incident in which Bankman-Fried conducted an unauthorized interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson on YouTube. The interview reportedly led to Bankman-Fried being placed in solitary confinement, as reported by The New York Times, citing anonymous sources familiar with the situation.

Bankman-Fried’s interview with Carlson appears to be part of his attempt to secure a pardon from former President Donald Trump, though experts suggest his chances of success are minimal. Many crypto lobbyists have expressed skepticism, with one stating that Bankman-Fried has a “near zero” chance of receiving a pardon.

The FTX founder’s legal troubles began after the exchange collapsed in November 2022, leading to bankruptcy amid accusations of mismanaging customer funds. Bankman-Fried had allegedly lent out billions of dollars to Alameda Research, FTX’s trading arm. The fallout caused a significant drop in cryptocurrency prices, and the founder was arrested by federal authorities shortly thereafter.

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Bankman-Fried was convicted in 2023 on fraud charges, resulting in a 25-year prison sentence. According to Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) data, his scheduled release is set for November 17, 2044.

Earlier this year, Bankman-Fried’s parents reportedly met with Trump allies and legal figures to explore the possibility of clemency for their son. Joseph Bankman, a Stanford Law School professor, even wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post, in which he praised Trump’s proposal for a US sovereign wealth fund. While Trump pardoned Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht earlier this year, Bankman-Fried does not appear to have the same level of public support.

Alexander Zdravkov

Alexander has been working in the crypto industry for three years, during which time he has established himself through his active participation in monitoring market dynamics and technological innovations. His interest in cryptocurrencies and new technologies is not just a professional commitment, but a deep personal passion. He follows the news in the sector daily, analyzes trends, and is excited about every new step in the development of blockchain solutions. His enthusiasm drives him to continuously learn and share knowledge, as he sees the future in digital finance and its role in global transformation.