The FTX Exchange Scandal Unveiled 💣
A recent report has exposed the scandal surrounding the now-defunct FTX crypto exchange, revealing shocking revelations of payments made to whistleblowers amounting to over $25 million. Meanwhile, the exchange still owes a staggering $11 billion to investors who suffered losses when the platform collapsed.
Examiner’s Findings on Whistleblower Payments 🕵️
- Examiner Robert Cleary’s report disclosed that one of the whistleblowers was an executive at FTX.US
- The whistleblower highlighted that FTX Group misled regulators, investors, and lacked a proper corporate structure
- They expressed their concerns to former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, ex-engineer Nishad Singh, and former lawyer Dan Friedberg
- Friedberg advised the whistleblower against raising concerns, fearing they might impact investor expectations
- The whistleblower ultimately resigned in September 2022 and received a settlement exceeding $16 million
- Another whistleblower alleged market manipulation and insider trading, receiving a settlement of $1.8 million
- A third whistleblower was offered $200,000 for similar allegations
- The FTX Group lacked an updated employee list and saw many informal resignations
- Bankruptcy Judge John Dorsey appointed Cleary to investigate FTX following a court ruling in January
Response from FTX’s Brett Harrison 📢
Following the report, former FTX.US President Brett Harrison, who resigned in September 2022, responded to the findings on social media. Harrison clarified that he did not receive a $16 million settlement and had no agreement for his exit. Instead, he retained a portion of equity and adhered to standard exit provisions.
FTX’s Downfall and Legal Ramifications ⚖️
FTX collapsed in November 2022, triggering a complex bankruptcy process. Subsequently, former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was found guilty of defrauding customers, lenders, and investors. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his involvement in the scandal.