A three‑judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit upheld Sam Bankman‑Fried’s 25‑year prison sentence, rejecting his claim that a judge’s evidentiary rulings tainted his conviction. The decision, announced on Tuesday, confirms the lower court’s verdict on wire fraud, securities fraud, commodities fraud and money laundering linked to the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX.

Robust Evidence Overrules Procedural Grievances

According to the appeals court, the evidence against Bankman‑Fried was "robust," and the judge’s rulings were not "convincing" enough to overturn the conviction. the court noted that the prosecution’s case showed customers’ funds were transferred to Alameda Research,effectively defrauding them regardless of the founder’s intent.

Bankman‑Fried’s Legal Strategy Falls Short

Bankman‑Fried’s lawyers argued that the trial judge improperly barred evidence that FTX had sufficient reserves to honor withdrawals. The appellate panel disagreed, emphasizing that the evidence of fund diversion was decisive. This mirrors the 2023 conviction,where the court found the fraud allegations credible.

Incarceration Near Santa Barbara, Release Date 2044

Bankman‑Fried is currently serving his sentence at a low‑security federal prison near Santa Barbara,California.. The court’s ruling confirms his scheduled release in 2044, a date that has been a point of public debate since the 2023 sentencing.

Pardon Prospects Remain Uncertain

Bankman‑Fried has expressed interest in a presidential pardon, but former President Trump has staed he has no intention of pardoning high‑profile inmates, including the FTX founder. The appeals decision leaves the pardon question unresolved, leaving the crypto entrepreneur’s fate in the hands of the executive branch.

Who Is the Unnamed Buyer?

While the source mentions a man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, the identity of the alleged buyer remains unclear. The court’s focus was solely on Bankman‑Fried’s case, leaving the separate murder allegation untouched in this ruling.