In a remarkable turn of events within the confines of Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), Sam Bankman-Fried, the co-founder of FTX, recently broke his silence in an exclusive interview with Puck News, shedding light on his current circumstances, legal battle, and unexpected foray into commodities trading—all while asserting his innocence.

Bankman-Fried, who was sentenced to 25 years in jail for fraud, continues to vehemently maintain his innocence despite the conviction. In his conversation with William Cohan of Puck News, orchestrated with the assistance of his mother, Barbara Fried, the former FTX CEO opened up about his daily life behind bars and his ongoing legal endeavors.

Since his incarceration in August 2023, Bankman-Fried has adapted to the stark reality of prison life, navigating through dietary challenges and limited amenities. Receiving vegan meals that fail to appease his palate, Bankman-Fried has resorted to a diet primarily consisting of beans and rice, which has emerged as a valuable commodity within the confines of the MDC.

Drawing on his background in trading, Bankman-Fried humorously noted the unexpected arbitrage opportunities presented by his new environment, contrasting them with his previous experiences as a high-frequency trader.

Physically transformed by his time in custody, Bankman-Fried appeared noticeably thinner, shedding 25 pounds and exhibiting a more composed demeanor during the interview. Despite projecting an air of resilience, he candidly admitted to mastering the art of feigning well-being, masking the underlying challenges of his incarceration.

Bankman-Fried's legal saga continues to unfold as he pursues an appeal against his conviction, signaling his unwavering belief in his innocence. His legal team remains engaged in regular consultations, buoyed by the prospect of overturning his conviction.

Reflecting on the events leading to FTX's collapse and his subsequent legal troubles, Bankman-Fried attributed his predicament to what he perceives as a calculated effort to make him the scapegoat. He contends that his negligence, rather than criminal intent, led to FTX's downfall, advocating for civil penalties as a more appropriate recourse.

Despite the staggering sum of misappropriated funds associated with his conviction, Bankman-Fried remains steadfast in his denial of any wrongdoing, placing blame on a series of unfortunate circumstances and legal missteps.

As he navigates the complexities of his legal battle, Bankman-Fried faces the prospect of relocation to a facility closer to his family in California, a journey that could entail a lengthy and arduous transfer process via a prison bus traversing the expanse of the United States.

Amidst the uncertainty of his future, Sam Bankman-Fried remains resolute in his pursuit of justice, determined to vindicate his name and reclaim his freedom.