Sam Bankman-Fried, the former crypto golden boy turned convicted fraudster, is no longer bunking in Brooklyn. After an unapproved jailhouse interview with a certain controversial TV host, SBF got a surprise wake-up call and a ticket to Oklahoma—aboard the federal inmate version of Uber: “Con Air.” And no, not the movie with Nic Cage, but the actual prisoner transport system run by the feds.
From Bail to Bars
Bankman-Fried, once the face of now-defunct crypto exchange FTX, has been behind bars since August 2023. That’s when a judge yanked his bail over—you guessed it—witness tampering. Since then, he’d been holed up at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, rubbing elbows (or at least hallways) with other high-profile detainees, including former music moguls awaiting trial.
The Unauthorized Interview
So what triggered the change of scenery? Earlier this month, SBF popped up in an unapproved segment on “The Tucker Carlson Show,” raising more than a few eyebrows. Jailhouse interviews are supposed to go through official channels. Surprise media appearances? Not exactly in the rule book.
Enter Con Air
Instead of enduring what inmates call “diesel therapy”—a grueling cross-country bus ride—SBF likely flew via the government’s Prisoner Transport Service. Think cramped old DC-9 aircraft, zero legroom, and shackles instead of seatbelts.
“You’re shackled on an airplane,” said Sam Mangel, a prison consultant who helps white-collar criminals navigate their new reality. “It’s a usually very old plane that has no amenities whatsoever.” Sounds cozy.
Oklahoma… For Now
SBF is currently at FTC Oklahoma City, a federal transfer hub where inmates typically stay for just a couple of weeks before heading to their final prison assignment. It’s not exactly Club Fed, but it’s a stopover on the way to wherever he’ll serve the bulk of his 25-year sentence.
How Did We Get Here?
In case you missed the crypto implosion of the decade: Bankman-Fried was found guilty of seven counts of fraud and conspiracy for his role in the spectacular collapse of FTX. Prosecutors laid out how billions of dollars in customer funds were secretly diverted to fund risky bets, political donations, and some luxe real estate in the Bahamas.
Despite the guilty verdict, SBF is still working on an appeal and insists he’s not a criminal. A bold stance, considering the mountain of evidence and the jury’s unanimous vote otherwise.
Where to Next?
Bankman-Fried’s legal team is lobbying for him to serve out his sentence near his parents in California—ideally at a minimal-security prison like Lompoc or Mendota. He was initially told Mendota, but plans may change depending on the Bureau of Prisons’ mood.
In the meantime, he’s passing the time by posting on X (formerly Twitter), pondering the existential agony of corporate layoffs and bad management. Yes, really.
The Politics of SBF
Even behind bars, Bankman-Fried remains a political lightning rod. His name came up during a Senate confirmation hearing this week when Sen. Elizabeth Warren took a swing at Trump’s pick for SEC chair, bringing up past work done for billionaire types—including SBF. Apparently, even in prison, he can’t stop making headlines.
Wherever he ends up, one thing’s clear: Sam Bankman-Fried’s journey from crypto king to inmate #123-whatever is far from over. Buckle up—especially if you’re flying Con Air.