FTX Co-founder Gary Wang Pleads for No Prison Time

Gary Wang, co-founder of FTX, is pleading for no prison time, citing his cooperation with prosecutors and lesser involvement in the fraud scheme ahead of his sentencing on November 20.

Gary Wang, co-founder of FTX and one of the primary figures in the recent high-profile trial against former business partner Sam Bankman-Fried, is appealing for a no prison time sentence.

Wang, who is set to be sentenced on November 20 in Manhattan federal court, cited his early cooperation with prosecutors and lesser involvement in the fraudulent scheme that led to FTX’s downfall.

His defense counsel, Ilan Graff, submitted a memo urging the court to consider the disparity between Wang’s actions and those of others involved, such as Bankman-Fried, Alameda Research’s former CEO Caroline Ellison, and FTX’s engineering head Nishad Singh.

Gary Wang Wants No Prison Time: Should He Be Granted?

In his plea for leniency, Wang mentioned that his cooperation played a central role in Bankman-Fried’s conviction.

He described his participation as crucial in unraveling the complexities of the fraud.

Wang testified against Bankman-Fried, detailing how he had been instructed to adjust FTX’s code to enable Alameda Research, FTX’s sister company, to access customer funds without limitations.

Although Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years, Wang’s defense argued that Wang’s role was more limited.

Wang’s lawyer stressed that his client was neither a principal architect of the fraud nor actively aware of its scope until after it had already begun.