FTX’s Bankman-Fried Moved to Violent California Prison ‘Victimville’

Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of the failed crypto exchange FTX, has just been moved to one of the toughest prisons in Southern California—a facility known for its violence, gang activity, and harsh living conditions.

It’s a shocking turn for a man once seen as a rising star in the world of tech and finance. Now, he’s in a prison nicknamed “Victimville” by some, where staying safe often depends on who you align yourself with.

Here’s what we know.

Sam Bankman Held at Victorville

According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmate locator, Bankman-Fried is now being held at a medium-security prison in Victorville, California. He was transferred there this week after spending two weeks at a federal transfer center in Oklahoma. Before that, he spent over 18 months at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York.

Medium Security – But Far From Safe

Medium-security prisons often have worse living conditions than even lower-security facilities. According to federal prison consultant Christopher Zoukis, prisons on the West Coast tend to be more dangerous, with stronger gang influence and more aggressive prison politics compared to those on the East Coast or in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Victorville’s Violent Reputation

The facility where Bankman-Fried is now held—FCI Victorville Medium II—houses over 1,400 inmates and has a long history of violence. Fights are common, and stabbings happen regularly. In recent years, the prison has seen serious incidents, including the murder of an inmate in 2013, a warden being stabbed in 2017, and several attacks on prison staff.

According to Zoukis’ firm, Victorville is known in some circles as “Victimville” because of its harsh conditions. It’s described as a racially divided and highly political environment. Inmates are often required to be part of a group based on race—called a “car” in prison slang—for safety and support. One inmate even said being in a car is necessary just to stay safe.

Convicted of Massive Financial Fraud

Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison in November 2023 for defrauding customers of more than $8 billion. It’s considered one of the biggest financial crimes in U.S. history in the last 250 years. He was convicted on seven counts, including fraud and conspiracy.

Despite the conviction, he insists he’s not a criminal and plans to appeal. Meanwhile, some supporters are reportedly trying to persuade President Donald Trump to issue him a pardon.

Life in Prison for Fried

Even in a rough prison like Victorville, there are some programs available. Inmates have access to a digital law library, recreational sports like basketball and football, leatherworking, art classes, and even training in Microsoft Office 2010.

Just before his transfer, Bankman-Fried gave an unauthorized interview with political commentator Tucker Carlson—possibly to win public sympathy. However, this broke prison rules, and he was placed in solitary confinement shortly after.

Fortunes can change quick, isn’t it?

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