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    Vignesh is a young journalist with a decade of experience. A proud alumnus of IIJNM, Bengaluru, he spent six years as a Sub-Editor for a leading business magazine, published from Kerala. His interest in futuristic technologies took him to a US-based software company specialising in Web3, Blockchain and AI. This stint inspired him to view the future of journalism through the lens of next generation technologies. Now, he covers the crypto scene for Coinpedia, uncovering a vibrant new world where technology and journalism converge.

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    Sam Bankman-Fried’s Shocking Prison Interview: FTX Could Have Recovered, Politics to Blame

    Story Highlights
    • SBF convicted of fraud, gave a televised interview to Tucker Carlson from prison, reiterating his claims of innocence.

    • He maintains FTX could have repaid users, blames bankruptcy for losses, and suggests political contributions led to his downfall.

    • Unlike his previous interview, he now focuses on appealing his conviction in court, not seeking a presidential pardon.

    Samuel Bankman-Fried needs no introduction. Once a major figure in the crypto world, he was the founder of FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange, and Alameda Research, a trading firm. His success came to a dramatic end when fraud within his companies was exposed. On March 28, 2024, he was sentenced to over 25 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $11 billion for orchestrating multiple fraudulent schemes.

    Now, from behind bars, Bankman-Fried is sharing his side of the story.

    SBF’s Controversial Interview

    In a recent interview with Tucker Carlson, Bankman-Fried spoke about his downfall. This was only his second interview since being imprisoned, making it highly anticipated.

    Despite appearing virtually from prison, he faced tough questions from Carlson. The conversation covered a range of topics, including FTXโ€™s bankruptcy and life in prison. But his most striking comments were about the collapse of FTX and his involvement in politicsโ€”statements that are now fueling debate.

    Would FTX Have Survived?

    Bankman-Fried made a bold claim: if FTX had not filed for bankruptcy, it would have $93 billion in assets todayโ€”enough to repay users. He suggested that the decision to declare bankruptcy was a mistake and that the company could have recovered.

    This statement makes one thing clearโ€”he does not believe he committed fraud. Notably, there was no sign of regret in his words.

    A Political Twist to FTX’s Fall?

    Bankman-Fried seems eager to give a political angle to his collapse.

    A known donor to the Democratic Party, he contributed large sums in 2020, gaining widespread attention. However, in a previous interview, he claimed that he had privately supported the Republican Party as well. He suggested that this played a role in the downfall of FTX.

    In his latest interview, he repeated this idea, stating that his disillusionment with the Democratic Party contributed to his problems.

    No Pardon Pleaโ€”A New Strategy?

    In his first prison interview, Bankman-Fried indirectly appealed for a pardon from President Donald Trumpโ€”an appeal that has been ignored.

    Now, he appears to have changed his approach. Instead of seeking a pardon, he expressed confidence in his ability to overturn his conviction in court.

    Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

    Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

    He may be locked up, but heโ€™s still making headlines. We’ll keep you updated on whatever SBF does next!

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