FTX Co-Founder Gary Wang Seeks No Jail Time for Cooperation in SBF Case

As Gary Wang, a former CTO of FTX and now a software engineer seeking leniency in my sentencing, I find myself at a crossroads between my past mistakes and my future aspirations as a family man and a contributor to the anti-fraud initiatives within the crypto world.


Gary Wang, who co-founded and previously served as the Chief Technology Officer at the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX, is asking for leniency as his sentencing nears. In a comprehensive document submitted to Manhattan district court on November 6, his legal team explained that Wang’s extensive cooperation with authorities was instrumental in the eventual conviction of Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the public figure associated with FTX’s infamous downfall.

In December 2022, Wang admitted guilt for fraud and conspiracy charges. He claimed that his testimony played a crucial role in building the government’s case against Bankman-Fried. As per the court documents, his revelations contributed significantly to the imprisonment of the discredited FTX founder.

Wang Appeals for No Jail Time to Avoid Disparity

Keep in mind that SBF was given a 25-year prison term in March 2024 as a result of fraud charges stemming from one of the most closely watched financial trials. The evidence supporting his conviction primarily focused on claims that he masterminded a plan to misuse billions of dollars in customer funds to cover losses resulting from high-risk investments made by Alameda Research, an affiliate trading company linked with FTX.

In a memo, Wang contended that his collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) had yielded crucial evidence, demonstrating that Bankman-Fried orchestrated code modifications which enabled Alameda Research to covertly transfer approximately $10 billion from customers over several years, leading up to the platform’s crash in November 2022.

Consequently, he is petitioning the government for leniency, suggesting that his past actions should be regarded as time served. Additionally, he underscored the fact that compared to other key figures at FTX like Caroline Ellison, ex-CEO of Alameda, and Nishad Singh, FTX’s former engineering director, his involvement in the fraud was relatively minor.

In the case of both Ellison and Singh, they each negotiated plea agreements with the government. However, their respective punishments varied: Ellison received a sentence of two years in prison due to her involvement in the FTX-Alameda controversy, whereas Singh was not imprisoned.

Wang’s defense contends that it would be unjust to impose a prison term on him when compared to the lenient punishment given to Singh, who had similar levels of involvement in the case.

The attorneys emphasized that by actively collaborating with prosecutors prior to the bankruptcy, helping the FTX estate, and participating in class-action lawsuits, he demonstrates a strong dedication to upholding justice and supporting the affected parties.

Wang Could Miss Raising First Child if Sentenced

In addition, the sentencing memorandum mentioned Wang’s personal situation as one of the factors for seeking no imprisonment. It was disclosed by his legal representatives that Wang is presently working as a software engineer at an unnamed company and is due to become a father for the first time with his spouse later this month.

The defense pointed out that imprisoning him could interfere with his financial support of his family and his ongoing work on anti-fraud projects. In the documents submitted, it is mentioned that Mr. Wang has been instrumental in creating software tools used by the government to detect fraudulent transactions in cryptocurrency markets.

The memo states that Gary aspires to excel as both a devoted spouse and parent, while also persisting in his role within the government and alongside other partners to aid FTX victims in their recovery and minimize the chances of future scams.

Judge Lewis Kaplan, the one presiding over the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, is going to make a decision about the fate of Wang on November 20th. The verdict in this case could establish an important precedent for how people who collaborate extensively with authorities are handled in high-profile financial crime situations.

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2024-11-07 11:45