Internet outraged as Sam Bankman-Fried’s lawyers say 50-year sentence portrays him as ‘super villain’

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The legal team for Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced founder of the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has sparked outrage across the Internet by claiming that a proposed 40 to 50-year prison sentence unfairly casts their client as a "super villain".

In a letter filed in Manhattan federal court, Bankman-Fried's lawyers argued that the lengthy sentence recommended by prosecutors is excessively harsh and "marked with hostility," portraying the 32-year-old former billionaire in an unfairly villainous light, as per New York Post.

The backlash on social media has been swift and severe, with users lambasting the defense's characterization and demanding that Bankman-Fried face harsh punishment for his role in one of the largest frauds in US history.

Sam Bankman-Fried lawyer condemns prosecutors' recommended sentence

In the scathing letter, Bankman-Fried's lawyer, Marc Mukasey, condemned prosecutors' recommended sentence as a "death-in-prison" penalty marked by a "medieval view of punishment".

Mukasey argued that his client should receive a significantly lighter sentence of 5 to 6 years, asserting that the government's portrayal of Bankman-Fried as a "super villain" was unfair and unwarranted.

Furthermore, Mukasey expressed concerns over the potential repercussions, highlighting the adverse impact such a severe sentence could have on Bankman-Fried's mental and physical well-being.

Sam Bankman-Fried orchestrated $8 billion fraud scheme

Bankman-Fried found himself in the eye of a legal storm following his conviction in November of 2023 for orchestrating an $8 billion fraud scheme involving his now-defunct FTX cryptocurrency exchange.

The prosecution alleged that Bankman-Fried siphoned funds from unsuspecting customers to prop up his hedge fund, Alameda Research, and indulged in extravagant expenditures, including luxury real state acquisitions and political donations aimed at influencing cryptocurrency regulations.

So far, according to federal authorities, 251 political candidates and committees have returned $3.3 million in contributions received from Bankman-Fried and associates at FTX. Additionally, prosecutors are aiming to seize $11 billion from Bankman-Fried to compensate for the losses suffered by lenders and investors.

Internet outraged over Sam Bankman-Fried's lawyer's arguments

The defense's portrayal of Bankman-Fried as a victim of overzealous prosecution has sparked widespread outrage on social media.

One X user condemned Bankman-Fried's actions, stating, "He stole billions from thousands of average people who couldn't afford to lose that kind of money. So, yes, he is a super villain."

Another user echoed similar sentiments, remarking, "He defrauded billions."

A third individual called for swift justice, bluntly stating, "Lock him up!"

Meanwhile, another commenter advocated for a harsh punishment, asserting, "50 years, without any possibility of parole, works for me."

Dismissing any notion of Bankman-Fried's supposed "super" status, a fifth user emphasized, "He’s not super…just a villain that probably should be locked up for life."

Lastly, a sixth user expressed disbelief at the proposed sentence, comparing Bankman-Fried's actions unfavorably to infamous financial scandals, stating, "50 years? That's it? This guy was worse than the Enron people and Madoff put together."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.