FTX got into another scandal because of the US elections
Date: 2023-07-13 Author: Karina Ziganova Categories: IN WORLD
The New York Prosecutor's Office is looking for FTX crypto exchange co-founder Ryan Salame due to possible violations of campaign finance law in the United States.
According to the publication, Salameh and his girlfriend Michelle Bond - the Republican candidate who ran from New York's first congressional district in 2022 - could exceed federal limits on contributions during their campaign. Authorities are now investigating financial ties between Salameh and Bond.
According to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Salamé made two donations of $2900 for Bond's primary election campaign, as well as two donations of $2900 each for the general election. In addition, Bond donated more than $877,000 to her company.
Searches at FTX co-founder's home
In April, the FBI raided Salameh's home in Potomac, Maryland. It is not known why the search was conducted.
However, journalists suggest that the federal authorities have not finished investigating the collapse of FTX, which is why they came to Salama. Perhaps they are preparing for the trial of FTX founder Bankman-Fried, which will take place in October. Authorities are scrutinizing many of the former crypto tycoon's employees and advisers.
Salame has been involved in Bankman-Fried's real estate deals in the Bahamas. The most expensive purchase was a penthouse for $ 30 million in the resort of Albany. The purchase document was signed by Salameh.
FTX asks politicians to return the money
After the collapse of the crypto exchange, the new management of FTX asked politicians to return the millions of dollars donated by the founder of the company. If such payments are not returned voluntarily, FTX reserves the right to file a lawsuit in bankruptcy court.
According to estimates, Bankman-Fried donated about $93 million. He became the second largest philanthropist of the Democrats between 2020 and 2022, giving more than $37 million to their election activities. The FTX founder spent $40 million to support U.S. senatorial candidates, and Salameh donated $19 million to Republican candidates during the same period.
