Sam Bankman-Fried’s parents are reportedly seeking a Presidential Pardon from Donald Trump for their son, raising questions about ethics and influence in high-profile legal cases.
But will Trump do it, knowing he is, in fact, guilty?
At a Glance
- Sam Bankman-Fried’s parents are reportedly seeking a pardon from Donald Trump
- Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years for fraud related to FTX’s collapse
- His parents, both Stanford law professors, face criticism for alleged financial gain from FTX
- The pardon request comes amid increased inquiries for clemency from white-collar criminals
- Legal experts debate the ethics and implications of such high-profile pardon requests
Parents’ Pursuit of Presidential Pardon
The parents of convicted cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried are reportedly exploring avenues to secure a Presidential Pardon from Donald Trump for their son – and it’s unclear whether the President is receptive or not. Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried, both esteemed law professors at Stanford University, believe that their appeal may just be enough to free their son.
The pursuit of clemency for Bankman-Fried comes in the wake of his 25-year prison sentence for fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering related to the spectacular collapse of FTX, once a leading cryptocurrency exchange. The severity of the sentence has been a point of contention, with Bankman-Fried arguing that it is disproportionate given that most FTX customers have reportedly recovered their losses.
The appeal for clemency appears to draw on Trump’s history of granting pardons, including to figures like Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace. This precedent has led to an increase in pardon requests from individuals convicted of white-collar crimes, with legal adviser Jeffrey Grant noting a surge in inquiries.
“We have been hearing from people in prison, from people recently sentenced who haven’t yet reported to the Bureau of Prisons, from people who have just been indicted. They are looking for somebody who knows somebody,” Jeffrey Grant said.
The specific details of any direct communication between Bankman-Fried’s parents and the White House regarding a potential pardon remain unclear. However, the mere possibility has ignited discussions about the ethics of leveraging academic and social influence in legal matters.
Controversy Surrounding Bankman-Fried’s Parents
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Bankman-Fried’s parents face their own legal challenges. FTX has filed a civil lawsuit against them, seeking to recover millions allegedly misappropriated. The lawsuit claims they fraudulently transferred funds and facilitated political donations, accusations that have cast a shadow over their academic reputations.
Famed lawyer Alan Dershowitz is reportedly a contact for the couple. He recently mentioned his communications with the parents and suggested that he may be able to facilitate something in the future.
“I said call me back in a month. Right now Trump is busy doing other things,” Dershowitz said.
So it may not be off the cards…
The Bankman-Fried case is not isolated in its pursuit of Presidential Clemency. Other former FTX executives, including Ryan Salame, are also reportedly interested in seeking pardons.
It’s a big ask, especially right now – but stranger things have happened!