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Dec. 14, 2022, 1:47 p.m.

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried indicted on battery of fraud charges

Summary

Federal prosecutors unveiled a battery of charges against Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX. They include wire fraud, money laundering and lying to investors. Bankman-Fried was arrested Monday in the Bahamas just hours before he was scheduled to testify remotely before the Senate Banking Committee. John Yang reports. For a transcript of this story, click here . Key terms extradite — an agreement to remove an individual arrested in one country to another country where they are being charged. Extradition can be both a legal and diplomatic process. cryptocurrency — a digital currency or alternative form of payment. Investors can buy and sell different cryptocurrencies as they rise or fall in value, and they can also be used to purchase some goods and services. cryptocurrency exchange — an online marketplace for buying and selling cryptocurrency.

Five Facts

  • Who is Sam Bankman-Fried and what is his background?
  • What is FTX, and what service did the company provide?
  • When and Where was Bankman-Fried arrested?
  • Why is Bankman-Fried suspected of fraud?
  • How did the alleged fraud affect customers of FTX?

Focus Questions

After watching this story, what do you think federal or state governments could do to reduce fraud in cryptocurrency exchanges? Media literacy : What do you think the media can do to better inform viewers of the risks of investment fraud, especially related to cryptocurrency?

For More

What students can do: Find out how Congress is wrestling with billions of dollars of losses in the cryptocurrency industry by watching some of the Congressional hearing about the collapse of FTX. Discuss — what rules do you think Congress could pass to help avoid fraud and massive financial loss?

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