A new photo of the former billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried has emerged, revealing a noticeable change in his appearance since his incarceration.
Independent crypto reporter Tiffany Fong shared the photo, which was taken at New York’s Metropolitan Detention Centre (MDC) on December 17, 2023. It is the first image of Bankman-Fried to be made public following his conviction for fraud in August 2023.
First photo of Sam Bankman-Fried in jail at MDC Brooklyn. (December 17, 2023) pic.twitter.com/QlENjjmeQG
— Tiffany Fong (@TiffanyFong_) February 20, 2024
The photo shows Bankman-Fried with a new beard and a slimmer physique, standing alongside five other inmates. Tiffany Fong, who obtained the photo during an interview with a former MDC inmate identified only as “G Lock,” noted Bankman-Fried’s significant weight loss and less frequent grooming habits since being imprisoned.
G Lock, who had associated with Bankman-Fried during his time in prison, described him as “strange as shit” but overall a “good guy.”
Despite the changes in his grooming routine, G Lock mentioned that Bankman-Fried had not faced any severe violence or intimidation while at the MDC. Interestingly, G Lock commented on Bankman-Fried’s resilience, noting that he was “more gangster” than rapper Tekashi Six Nine, highlighting that unlike the rapper, Bankman-Fried never betrayed anyone’s trust while in prison.
The crypto community on X has reacted to the photo, with opinions ranging from concern over Bankman-Fried’s well-being to humorous remarks about his prison life and alleged gang affiliations.
Additionally, Fong revealed that Bankman-Fried and his fellow inmates had watched the 60 Minutes interview with Michael Lewis, author of “Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon,” a biography on Bankman-Fried, and even shared moments roasting him over his past relationship with Caroline Ellison.