A fellow inmate of Sam Bankman-Fried has claimed that the former FTX CEO intends to launch a new cryptocurrency upon his release from prison. The allegation first surfaced in a New York Magazine feature and quickly ignited fresh debate across the crypto community. According to the inmate, David Bunewacz, Bankman-Fried discussed his ambition to re‑enter the digital asset space, stating he would need between $50 million and $100 million in initial capital to establish a legitimate company. The most striking detail was Bankman-Fried’s assertion: “I’ll launch my own coin and everyone will flock to it.”
While the account remains unverified—coming solely from a fellow prisoner—the report has amplified scrutiny of Bankman‑Fried’s potential future in an industry he once dominated. Before FTX’s catastrophic 2022 collapse, which cost customers billions and led to his 25‑year sentence, he was a central figure in crypto. Critics argue that reputational ruin and regulatory hurdles would make any new venture toxic, while others note that controversial comebacks are not unheard of in the crypto market. Official confirmation from Bankman‑Fried is absent, but the episode underscores persistent fascination with his next moves.
