Images of SBF's opulent lifestyle, including his private jet and $30M penthouse, revealed ahead of his court appearance for alleged crypto deception.
Images from the last year of the crypto exchange FTX show SBF in his luxury apartment and private plane.
Sam Bankman-Fried often mentioned the beanbag where he'd sleep at the office, but seldom brought up his rest times on his private jet.
Since allegations arose against Bankman-Fried for orchestrating a massive cryptocurrency deception, both legal authorities and a swarm of journalists have been dissecting his every statement and action to uncover disparities between his public image and his behind-the-scenes activities. While he genuinely rested on the beanbag, he also enjoyed the luxury of company-leased jets and a lavish $30 million penthouse in a prestigious Bahamian resort.
Bankman-Fried is set to appear in court on October 2, facing allegations of misappropriating vast sums from client accounts. The federal authorities argue he splurged on opulence using illicit funds. However, he asserts his innocence, stating the lost funds were an oversight.
Images and footage from the year leading up to the bankruptcy of Bankman-Fried's firms, FTX and Alameda Research, have been accessed by us. These visuals give a close-up view of Bankman-Fried and his close associates during their zenith – hosting events and mingling with influential personalities and tycoons. The content also unveils the unique extravagances of a numerical whiz who evolved into a cryptocurrency magnate.
THE WORKSPACE:
Joe Bankman, the father of Bankman-Fried, is a distinguished tax law specialist and lectures at Stanford University. In addition to this, Bankman played a part-time role at FTX, providing tax guidance to staff and aiding in hiring, as revealed in legal documents. Once the workday ended, his son often took rest on a sizable cushion resembling a large pet bed, occasionally joined by the company's pet, named Gopher.
SCAM BANKMAN FRIED
THE BOSS'S CORNER:
Bankman-Fried was often found at the office, with his desk frequently in disarray. Among the various items scattered on his workspace was a box of Emsam, a medicated patch prescribed for depression and Parkinson’s. In a past conversation with Bloomberg Businessweek, Bankman-Fried opened up about using this depression medication. Additionally, he had his own saltshaker on hand, as he had a preference for heavily salting his meals.
THE PRIVATE JET:
Throughout 2022, Bankman-Fried regularly commuted via private jet, connecting the Bahamas with New York and Washington. Among the snacks he seemed to favor was a pack of Lesser Evil popcorn. Custom-made hoodies showcasing his profile on the rear were also noticeable.
THE CELEBRITIES:
One significant factor in Bankman-Fried's rapid rise to credibility was his connections with high-profile political and business personalities. He shared meals with New York's Mayor Eric Adams, a known cryptocurrency enthusiast who accepted his inaugural mayoral paycheck in Bitcoin and Ethereum. He also chatted with John Collison of Stripe Inc., the president and co-founder of the second-highest valued tech startup in the U.S.
THE LUXURY RESIDENCE:
Within the Albany, another site functioned as an additional gathering place for the team and was the residence of Constance Wang, who previously held the position of operating chief at FTX. This two-story villa, known as the Conch Shack, was also owned by the company, as indicated in bankruptcy documents.
THE CELEBRATIONS:
FTX staff gatherings in the Bahamas were not your average holiday festivities. Bankman-Fried engaged in fast-paced chess matches with his team and enjoyed playing padel, a racquet game that blends elements of tennis and squash. For his 2022 birthday celebration, he included Bahamian locals who took care of office tasks such as cleaning and providing food services.
FTX Employees
THE TIGHT-KNIT CREW:
A select group of employees, many of whom relocated to the Bahamas, often socialized by dining and playing games together. However, as events unfolded, some of these individuals turned on Bankman-Fried, becoming collaborating witnesses and admitting to offenses.
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