Sam Bankman-Fried, the one-time crypto kingpin who is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for fraud, has applied for a pardon from President Donald Trump. Because why not try the nuclear option when your appeal is still pending and you've already insisted you're innocent?
According to online records, the 34-year-old former billionaire filed an application for a “pardon after completion of sentence” with the Department of Justice just two years into his sentence. This would forgive his crimes under the law after he serves his time. He has not asked for a commutation to shorten his sentence - apparently he's thinking long-term.
Bankman-Fried became the famous face of crypto as FTX, his exchange used by millions, collapsed in 2022 amid claims he was using deposited funds for personal investments and debts. He was convicted on multiple federal charges related to FTX and its sister firm Alameda Research.
His application joins over 20,000 requests for pardons or commutations on file with the Office of the Pardon Attorney. Trump, who has issued pardons for January 6 Capitol attackers, former staffers, a dark web marketplace founder, and even the leader of another crypto platform (Binance), was asked earlier this year if he'd pardon Bankman-Fried. He indicated he would not. But hey, the paperwork is already in.
A White House representative declined to comment. Bankman-Fried's lawyer did not reply to a request for comment. The former crypto mogul continues to maintain his innocence while also trying to appeal his sentence.