Weeks after the collapse of FTX, crypto influencers are converging on the Bahamas in search of answers from the exchange’s former CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried.
One of them is Ben Armstrong, the owner of the popular Bitboy Crypto YouTube channel. Armstrong arrived in the Bahamas on Saturday, seeking out Bankman-Fried at his luxury penthouse.
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Sammy. Let’s talk. pic.twitter.com/XMRXri24woThe disgraced FTX CEO is still reportedly in his $40 million property, which he has rarely left since the FTX bankruptcy.— Ben Armstrong (@Bitboy_Crypto) November 26, 2022
FTX’s collapse, fraught with allegations of fraud and mismanagement, has cost users billions of dollars. That’s what prompted crypto influencers like Armstrong to seek answers.
After looking around the property, Armstrong apparently found Bankman-Fried’s car, potentially highlighting Bankman-Fried’s alleged drug use.
According to Twitter this is Sam’s Corolla. Complete with pills in the front seat. Maybe someone can identify what they are. And an MSI laptop in the back. @sbf_ftx look at your window bud. I just want to talk. Come tell your story. pic.twitter.com/WBEMMaKjN4Armstrong also tried to reach out to Bankman-Fried via Twitter. Apparently, Bankman-Fried read some of the messages but chose not to respond.— Ben Armstrong (@Bitboy_Crypto) November 26, 2022
I don’t think he is answering me. Sam, we tried man. I guess my only direction forward is going back to bullying you. Unlesss… pic.twitter.com/ButUXFtqOXAfterward, Armstrong was escorted away from the property. However, he said he would not relent until he got some answers from Sam Bankman-Fried himself.— Ben Armstrong (@Bitboy_Crypto) November 27, 2022
Throwback to when the security guard escorted us out. Brian was pretty cool tbh. Sam, Barb, and Joe are the ones who made him to it.Sam I’ll come back if you put me on the guest list. pic.twitter.com/13OqNOBSwq— Ben Armstrong (@Bitboy_Crypto) November 27, 2022
‘Crypto Twitter Doing a Better Job Than SEC’
The Sam Bankman-Fried “manhunt” has gotten a great deal of social media attention. Crypto Twitter, including influencers in the Bahamas, is having fun with the whole situation.
BREAKING in real-time Live footage of @Bitboy_Crypto & @SBF_FTX in the Bahamas pic.twitter.com/B92Zz3Tu0tMany social media users have pointed out that crypto influencers are apparently doing more to investigate the FTX collapse than financial regulators.— JPEG Culture (@JPEGculture) November 28, 2022
"Bitboy Crypto is doing a better job than Gary Gensler. The SEC should be ashamed," one Twitter user wrote. Others have commended the influencers for bringing attention to the FTX collapse. Guy Turner, the owner of the popular Coin Bureau YouTube channel, pointed out that crypto influencers might have prompted the Bahamian Attorney General to reveal some details about their investigation into FTX.
"The Bahamian authorities decided to address the FTX situation only when they realized half of CT (crypto Twitter) was heading to the island. Now that's a job well done lads," Turner wrote.
On the Flipside
- Before the collapse, Ben Armstrong promoted FTX to his audience, which he now regrets and has apologized for.
Why You Should Care
Sam Bankman-Fried caused one of the largest crashes in the crypto space and should be held accountable.
Read about Sam Bankman-Fried’s Bahaman properties:
FTX Executives, Sam Bankman-Fried, and His Parents Bought Bahamas Real Estate Worth Millions
Read more about the collapse of FTX:
FTX Latest: SBF’s Fallen Crypto Empire Holds $1.24B in Cash Reserves