Federal prosecutors are seeking a significant prison sentence of 40 to 50 years for Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the now-bankrupt FTX cryptocurrency exchange. Bankman-Fried, who was found guilty on seven counts of fraud and conspiracy, is accused of stealing $8 billion from customers, leading to losses for investors and lenders. Prosecutors emphasized the impact on "thousands of everyday people" who had entrusted their savings to FTX, including those in war-torn countries. They also highlighted Bankman-Fried's extravagant spending on luxury real estate and political donations, totaling over $100 million. The prosecution described his actions as a "brazen disrespect for the rule of law" and one of the largest financial frauds in history. Bankman-Fried's defense argued for a much shorter sentence, citing his medical conditions and intentions to improve the world through his now-defunct exchange. The sentencing is scheduled for March 28, with the judge considering both the prosecution's recommendation and the defense's plea for leniency.
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