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Crypto CEO's Downfall: A Tale of Greed and Consequences

USAThursday, February 12, 2026
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Braden Karony, Former SafeMoon Head, Sentenced to 8 Years and 4 Months for Stealing Millions

The Scam

  • Sentence: 8 years and 4 months
  • Amount Stolen: $9 million from SafeMoon's liquidity pool
  • Luxury Purchases: Cars, a big house, and more

The Fallout

  • FBI and Prosecutors' Reaction: Outraged
  • Victims: Investors, including veterans and everyday workers
  • Message: Stealing money comes with serious consequences

Others in Trouble

  • Two Other SafeMoon Executives: Facing charges
  • One pleaded guilty
  • One is still on the run
  • Bigger Trend: Many crypto executives from the 2021-2022 boom are now behind bars
  • Sam Bankman-Fried (FTX): 25 years
  • Alex Mashinsky (Celsius): 12 years

Restitution and Appeals

  • Ordered to Repay: $7.5 million
  • Full Amount Owed: Still being figured out
  • Bankman-Fried's Appeal: Recently asked for a new trial
  • Karony's Fate: Going to prison, luxury lifestyle over

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