Bankman-Fried on His 33rd Birthday: “I Don’t Think I Was a Criminal”

Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX, marked his 33rd birthday behind bars, reflecting on his conviction and future. 

Sentenced to 25 years in prison for misusing customer funds, he remains at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.

A Shift in Political Views?

In a March 5 interview with right-wing political commentator Tucker Carlson, Bankman-Fried maintained his innocence, stating, “I don’t think I was a criminal.” He suggested that some charges against former colleagues, particularly ex-FTX Digital Markets co-CEO Ryan Salame, were politically motivated.

Also read: Sam Bankman-Fried: Understanding the Rise and Fall of a Crypto Magnate

Though previously known as a major donor to Democratic causes, Bankman-Fried claimed he had contributed just as much to Republican campaigns. He also asserted that, despite public perception, he had stronger ties with Republicans in Washington than Democrats at the time of FTX’s collapse. His recent engagements with conservative media, including an interview with The New York Sun, have fueled speculation that he is seeking favor with the GOP—and possibly positioning himself for a future pardon from President Donald Trump.

Life Behind Bars

Describing his life in prison as monotonous and difficult, Bankman-Fried said he largely survives on rice and beans and has received no visits from former FTX colleagues. “Anyone close to me ended up with a gun to their head, being told that they had two options, and one of them involved decades in prison,” he claimed, referring to the legal consequences faced by former FTX associates.

Also read: Crypto Leaders Who Went to Jail in the Last Decade

Following FTX’s bankruptcy in November 2022, several executives faced criminal charges. Co-founder Gary Wang and former engineering director Nishad Singh received time-served sentences after cooperating with authorities. Former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison was sentenced to two years in prison in September 2024, while Salame received a seven-and-a-half-year sentence in May.

A Long Road Ahead

Despite his conviction, Bankman-Fried remains hopeful for an early release. His legal team has filed an appeal, and reports suggest his parents have explored the possibility of securing a presidential pardon from Trump should he return to office. His recent shift toward conservative media is seen by some as a strategic effort to reshape his public image, but whether this approach will yield any real benefit remains uncertain.

Bankman-Fried’s fall from grace serves as a stark reminder to the cryptocurrency world—a meteoric rise followed by an equally dramatic collapse. His story raises lingering questions about justice, political influence, and the future of crypto regulation.