I cover markets and tech.Jun 08, 2026, 12:16pm EDTToplineFTX cofounder Sam Bankman-Fried has filed a formal request for a presidential pardon, asking President Donald Trump to erase the estimated fraud charges tied to the crypto exchange’s implosion—a long-shot bid that comes after Trump said in January he was not planning to grant the FTX founder any clemency.Former FTX chief executive Sam Bankman-Fried leaves Manhattan federal court, New York, January 3, 2023. Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty Tuesday to US criminal fraud charges over the spectacular collapse of his crypto exchange. (Photo by Ed JONES / AFP) (Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesKey FactsThe 34-year-old's petition appears on the Justice Department Pardon Attorney Office's public case-status listing, categorized as a request for a "pardon after completion of sentence."He is serving a 25-year term handed in 2024 from prosecutors for defrauding billions from FTX customers and spending it on investments, real estate and political donations while assuring users their money was safe.LOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video