U.S. prosecutors have urged a federal judge to sentence Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder and former CEO of FTX, to a substantial prison term of 40-50 years following his conviction on several charges of fraud and conspiracy related to the collapse of FTX, previously among the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. This recommendation comes in light of Bankman-Fried’s actions, including misleading investors, fabricating documents, and injecting millions in illegal political donations, as detailed by the Department of Justice’s Southern District of New York. Emphasizing the severity of his offenses, prosecutors argue that such a sentence would not only be commensurate with the magnitude of the fraud—impacting thousands of victims—but also serve as a deterrent to others contemplating similar financial misdeeds.

In addition to the proposed prison sentence, prosecutors are seeking over $11 billion in penalties and forfeitures from Bankman-Fried, describing this figure as conservative given the scope of the fraud. The case against him includes allegations of the largest campaign finance offense in U.S. history, with prosecutors highlighting the extensive political contributions made by Bankman-Fried and other FTX executives, now subject to clawback efforts. Comparison is drawn to previous high-profile fraud cases, such as Bernie Madoff’s, to underline the proposed sentence’s appropriateness.

Bankman-Fried’s conviction, resulting from a month-long trial, spans seven counts of fraud and conspiracy, showcasing his leadership role in the operations and downfall of both FTX and Alameda Research. Despite his defense team’s recommendation for a mere six-year sentence, prosecutors have criticized this as grossly insufficient, stressing that Bankman-Fried’s actions have hindered rather than helped the recovery efforts for FTX creditors.

The prosecution’s filing paints a picture of Bankman-Fried as fully aware of his unlawful activities, emboldened by a sense of being above the law. This narrative is supported by evidence and testimony from key figures within his inner circle, implicating him in acts ranging from bribery of foreign officials to unauthorized financial maneuvers involving Alameda Research. As his sentencing approaches on March 28, the contrasting stances of the prosecution and defense underscore the case’s complexity and the broader implications for accountability in the cryptocurrency sector.