Inmate Number and a New Economy

In the Metropolitan Detention Center, Sam Bankman-Fried has transitioned from the high-stakes world of cryptocurrency to the humble trade of rice.

His vegan diet, which is unpopular among inmates, has led him to rely on beans and rice, the latter becoming a sought-after commodity within the prison's walls. This shift has Bankman-Fried joking about the arbitrage opportunities in jail, starkly contrasting his previous life.

A Changed Man?

Bankman-Fried appeared to be a shadow of his former self, according to Puck News' William Cohan, who noted the ex-FTX CEO's considerable weight loss and newfound calmness.

Despite these changes, Bankman-Fried claims to have mastered the art of appearing well, even as he faces significant challenges, including adapting to a shared space with a diverse group of inmates and dealing with constant interruptions to his sleep over his valuable rice.

"Bankman-Fried is cordoned off with 35 other male inmates -- half reportedly murderers who are cooperating with the government -- in a large open dorm-style room in a part of the MDC mostly for female inmates."

The Fight Continues

Despite his conviction, Bankman-Fried claims he was wrongly accused. He says authorities are using him as the scapegoat for FTX's downfall, attributing the exchange's vulnerability to external pressures rather than internal mismanagement.

With a new legal team, he is preparing to appeal his sentence, holding onto prescription medication that he believes helps him think clearly.

Unapologetic to the End

Bankman-Fried showed no remorse over misappropriating approximately $8 billion in customer funds. He said if he had remained at the helm of FTX and under his direction, it would have flourished rather than floundered.

An Uncertain Road Ahead

As Bankman-Fried looks toward filing his appeal, his future remains to be determined. A potential transfer to a facility closer to his parents in California looms, which could involve a lengthy journey across the country.

Meanwhile, the crypto community and the larger public continue to watch closely as the saga of one of the industry's most polarizing figures unfolds.