Ex-FTX Exec Caroline Ellison Seeks Leniency After Testifying Against Sam Bankman-Fried

Caroline Ellison, a former cryptocurrency executive, has asked a federal judge for leniency following her guilty plea in a massive $8 billion fraud case involving FTX exchange. Ellison testified against her former boyfriend, Sam Bankman-Fried, helping prosecutors secure his conviction. She's scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 24.

Caroline Ellison, a former executive in the cryptocurrency sector, has requested leniency from a federal judge after pleading guilty in the $8 billion fraud case connected to the FTX exchange.

In a late-night court filing, Ellison's attorneys emphasized her substantial cooperation with prosecutors, which proved instrumental in the conviction of her ex-boyfriend, Sam Bankman-Fried. Ellison's lawyer, Anjan Sahni, highlighted her immediate and consistent acknowledgment of her wrongdoing and her reliability as a key witness.

Ellison, who is set to be sentenced on Sept. 24, gave significant testimony against Bankman-Fried, portraying his values and character in court. Bankman-Fried, currently serving a 25-year sentence for one of the largest financial frauds in U.S. history, is appealing his conviction. Ellison's sentencing marks another chapter in the fallout from FTX's dramatic collapse last year.

(With inputs from agencies.)