Ryan Salame, a former high-ranking executive at the collapsed crypto exchange FTX, is staring down the barrel of a prison sentence. U.S. prosecutors are pushing for a hefty 5-7 year sentence, citing Salame's involvement in the company's fraudulent activities.

According to court documents, prosecutors believe Salame wasn't a bystander in FTX's downfall. They allege he actively assisted former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried in "perpetrating aspects of the interrelated frauds." Salame's alleged crimes include facilitating unlicensed money transfers, making false statements to banks, and even funneling illegal campaign contributions through a subsidiary.

The prosecution's argument hinges on Salame's key positions within FTX. The memo details his involvement in integrating FTX into the Bahamas and attempts to retrieve frozen funds from Chinese exchanges. These actions, prosecutors claim, paint a picture of someone deeply involved in the alleged scheme.

Seeking to deter future wrongdoing, prosecutors advocate for a sentence exceeding the 120 months (10 years) recommended by the Probation Office. They argue that a lighter sentence wouldn't sufficiently punish Salame's crimes or discourage similar behavior in the cryptocurrency industry.

Salame's defense, however, paints a different picture. Their sentencing memo argues for a much lighter sentence of 18 months or less. They claim Salame wasn't a central figure in the fraud and that he lost a significant amount of his own money when FTX collapsed.

With the sentencing hearing scheduled for May 28th, the judge will decide Salame's fate. The outcome will be closely watched by the crypto community, eager to see how the justice system tackles these complex financial crimes.