Sam Bankman-Fried, the former chief executive of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange, has taken a notable step in his legal journey by formally applying for a presidential pardon. This development was reported by Politico and is detailed on the Justice Department’s website. Bankman-Fried, who is currently serving a prison sentence, is seeking a pardon that would restore his civil rights and allow him to vote once he completes his sentence.
Bankman-Fried, who has publicly expressed admiration for the current administration, was convicted earlier this year for orchestrating what prosecutors have described as one of the largest financial frauds in American history. Prosecutors accused him of misappropriating billions of dollars in customer funds to support a struggling crypto firm he co-founded, maintain a luxurious lifestyle in the Bahamas, and influence political dynamics in Washington, D.C.
In an interview from prison with Fox Business, Bankman-Fried remarked that he would “absolutely” welcome a pardon if offered, although he indicated that he has not had direct discussions with the White House regarding his situation. He also refrained from commenting on whether his associates have engaged with White House officials on his behalf.
The attempt to secure a pardon comes at a time of considerable political pushback. Former President Trump has already stated, in a conversation with the New York Times earlier this year, that he does not plan to pardon Bankman-Fried. Furthermore, various prominent Republicans involved in shaping cryptocurrency policy have also expressed their opposition to the pardon request.
This pardon application follows a recent court ruling that dismissed Bankman-Fried’s request for a new trial. As it stands, he has already been sentenced to 25 years in prison, and he continues to pursue an appeal against his conviction.
