First Images of Imprisoned FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Surface Online

By: Isha Das

The first pictures of Sam Bankman-Fried, the convicted founder of the now-defunct FTX exchange, from New York's Metropolitan Detention Centre have made their way to the internet. The images were initially posted on the social media platform X by crypto influencer Tiffany Fong. In the released images, the disgraced crypto magnate appeared gaunt and sporting a beard, surrounded by other inmates, including G Lock, a new acquaintance of Fong's from the Centre.

Bankman-Fried has been detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center since August 2023, following Judge Lewis Kaplan's ruling against him on suspicions of trying to influence witnesses. The Metropolitan Detention Centre, reputed for its dire conditions like insufficient staff, widespread corruption, and poor hygiene, has been identified as one of the most infamous prisons in the United States.

While Bankman-Fried is incarcerated, he still awaits sentencing. The judge is anticipated to consider the nature of his offenses as well as his personal background in his decision. Sam Bankman-Fried is looking at up to 110 years in prison after being convicted on all seven charges. Despite this, there is speculation about a potentially reduced sentence due to FTX's promise to fully reimburse its creditors. However, the chances of defrauded FTX clients receiving restitution before his sentencing seem slim while the company bankruptcy proceedings are ongoing.