Crypto: Sam Bankman-Fried Celebrated His 33rd Birthday

Between four gray walls and the clanking of bars, Sam Bankman-Fried blew out his 33 candles. A celebration far from the gilded paneling of his FTX period, but under the spotlight of a scandal that still shakes the crypto world. Sentenced to 25 years in prison, the former golden boy of cryptocurrencies offers, from his cell, a version of his story where innocence and political calculation intertwine.

The strategy behind bars: between political calculation and media survival

Since his downfall, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) cultivates the art of paradox. In his interview with Tucker Carlson, aired on March 6, he presents himself as a victim of a blind judicial system, while hinting at Republicans. “I have never solicited illegitimate help,” he claims, while admitting to having funded campaigns from both sides. A double game that raises questions: is he trying to charm Trump’s electorate in hopes of a presidential pardon?

The details of his prison life, such as his diet of rice and beans, contrast with the image of the prodigious billionaire. Yet, SBF does not give up on controlling the narrative.

By choosing conservative media, he weaves a media web that could serve his interests. His close associates speak of a possible request for forgiveness from Trump, whose victory in November would sculpt a new landscape.

Finally, his discourse on crypto regulation is surprising. He, who contributed to weakening the sector, calls for a “balanced” framework. A position that sounds like a plea for help, but also as an attempt to remain relevant in a universe that has already relegated him to the status of a mere placeholder.

The shadow of FTX over crypto: a persistent earthquake

The collapse of FTX in 2022 left an indelible scar. While legal proceedings are nearing their end, the consequences on the crypto ecosystem are palpable. The convictions of Caroline Ellison, Ryan Salame, or Gary Wang remind us that the fall was collective.

Yet, SBF persists: “I am not a criminal.” A defense that stumbles against the billions evaporated and the persistent distrust of centralized platforms.

The sector, meanwhile, tries to be reborn. American regulators are hardening their stance, while investors are demanding more transparency. Irony of fate, Hollywood seizes the scandal for a film inspired by Going Infinite.

Crypto, often perceived as a digital Wild West, is paradoxically legitimized by this drama: proof that it weighs enough to deserve epic narratives.

One question remains: did SBF’s downfall serve as a vaccine? Opaque practices are receding, audits are multiplying. But the lure of quick gains remains. The ghost of FTX looms, reminding us that innovation without ethics is a mirage.

At 33, Sam Bankman-Fried now embodies the two faces of crypto: its disruptive potential and its abysses. Behind bars, he wields words like others wield algorithms, seeking to rewrite his legacy. His story, between ambition and fall, remains a warning for a sector in search of maturity. Trump officially recognizes the bitcoin reserve, crypto will survive FTX, but will not forget its modern Icarus.