Published：Jun 8, 14:09Last updated：Jun 13, 02:01

Sam Bankman-Fried Seeks Trump Pardon After Failed Appeal

Jun. 8, 2026 14:09

FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried applied for a presidential pardon on June 8, 2026, over two years after his conviction. His cryptocurrency empire collapsed amid fraud allegations. The request highlights ongoing legal fallout from the FTX scandal.

Summarized

9News

7Media

Jun. 12, 2026 15:31

A federal appeals court upheld the fraud conviction of FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried. The court found that his 2023 trial, which resulted in a 25-year prison sentence, was fair. The ruling confirms the legal consequences of his fraudulent activities.

Jun. 13, 2026 02:01

An appeals court has upheld the fraud conviction of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, related to the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange. Bankman-Fried was seen leaving Manhattan federal court on March 30, 2023, following charges. The ruling reinforces the legal consequences of his actions in the high-profile case. The decision marks a significant development in the ongoing fallout from FTX's bankruptcy.

Disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried has formally requested a presidential pardon from Donald Trump following the rejection of his appeal to overturn a 25-year fraud conviction. The June 8, 2026 pardon application comes as courts continue to affirm the legal consequences of FTX's catastrophic collapse, which involved billions in misappropriated customer funds.

📉 Legal Setback Confirmed

A federal appeals court upheld Bankman-Fried's conviction on June 12, 2026, rejecting arguments about trial unfairness. Judges cited overwhelming evidence of financial crimes tied to FTX's operations. This marks one of the most severe white-collar crime sentences in modern U.S. history, setting a precedent for cryptocurrency industry accountability. BBC News+2

🤝 Pardon Politics at Play

The clemency request targets former President Trump, known for controversial pardons during his administration. Legal analysts note the timing coincides with heightened debates about crypto regulation and presidential pardon powers. Bankman-Fried's team likely hopes Trump's pro-business stance might favor reconsideration despite the court's firm stance. Bloomberg+2

💼 Industry Fallout Continues

FTX's 2022 collapse remains a watershed moment for cryptocurrency markets. The upheld conviction reinforces regulatory scrutiny of digital asset exchanges, with ongoing global reforms targeting consumer protections. Bankman-Fried's case has become a benchmark for prosecuting financial crimes in decentralized finance ecosystems. The Guardian+2

FTXDonald TrumpSam Bankman-FriedU.S. appeals courtcryptocurrency fraud