The first photos of Sam Bankman-Fried, the convicted founder of the bankrupt FTX exchange, at New York’s Metropolitan Detention Centre, have emerged online from crypto influencer Tiffany Fong.
Fong shared the exclusive images of SBF on Feb. 20 via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), describing it as the “first and only” photos of him since he was convicted.
Sam Bankman-Fried Prison Images. (Source: Tiffany Fong)
In the picture, the disgraced FTX founder was sporting a beard while standing alongside five other inmates, including a figure known as G Lock, who Fong described as her “new inmate friend.” The picture was reportedly taken on Dec. 17, 2023.
Meanwhile, several crypto community members pointed out that the disgraced founder had lost weight, with Fong asserting that:
“[SBF’s] obviously lost some weight, and I’ve heard he’s not showering very much. He’s not as clean-shaven as he used to be, but he’s obviously going through a lot right now.”
SBF has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center since August 2023 after Judge Lewis Kaplan remanded him on suspicions of attempting to influence witnesses.
CryptoSlate, citing federal inmate records, reported that the New York center was one of the most notorious prisons in the US because of its poor conditions like staffing shortages, corruption among staff, power outages, cockroach and rodent infestations, poor food, and malfunctioning toilets.
Awaiting sentence
Despite his conviction, Bankman-Fried’s sentencing remains pending until March 28, with the judge expected to weigh multiple factors, including the nature of his offenses and his personal background.
SBF faces up to 110 years in prison, having been found guilty on all seven charges. However, speculation persists regarding a potentially reduced sentence, partly stemming from FTX’s commitment to reimburse creditors fully.
Meanwhile, the likelihood of defrauded FTX clients receiving restitution before SBF’s sentencing appears slim as the firm bankruptcy proceedings continue.
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Author: Oluwapelumi Adejumo
