Ex-Mobster Shares His Take on SBF
Former New York gangster Gene Borrello recently spoke out in an interview with crypto blogger Tiffany Fong. During the conversation, he opened up about his time in prison with Sam Bankman-Fried, sharing his impression of the crypto community’s most talked-about inmate.
On this page
An unfiltered glimpse into the day-to-day prison life of the former crypto billionaire is available on Tiffany Fong's YouTube channel. If you're looking for a quick overview, our article provides a succinct summary of the key points.
While serving time in prison, Gene Borrello acted as a federal informant in a high-security unit that housed not only dangerous criminals such as gang leaders and drug barons but also high-profile individuals like Sam Bankman-Fried.
Borrello noted that SBF was placed in a special unit because the authorities considered him a suicide risk. He recounted instances of SBF spending entire days in the shower and consuming unidentified pills, which were given to him during a period of less stringent control over the high-profile inmate.
This contrasts with Borrello’s observation that Sam seemed unimposing and timid, with the body of the 80-year-old who was deeply afraid of dying and concerned for his safety. Borrello thus speculates that the real concern wasn't solely about preventing suicide but also about the high stakes of the case, where any slip-up before the final trial could be detrimental.
Prosecutors and judges only care about their reputation, and this case was an honorable case, so SBF is already over.
Gene Borrello further states that in prison, Sam Bankman-Fried was targeted by gang leaders for extortion under the guise of offering protection. They believed he had concealed cryptocurrency assets. A notable incident involved a gang leader, known as Bloods, who attempted to coerce SBF into unwanted intimacy. Borrello had to physically defend his cellmate, and he substantiated this claim with a copy of the prison incident report.
Incident Report Copy from Brooklyn Jail. Source: YouTube
Following these events, prison officials relocated SBF away from these threats, and Borrello was subsequently placed in solitary confinement.Borrello tried to reassure Sam that he didn’t need protection, but to no avail.
I kept telling him: it’s not dangerous here, you don’t need additional protection. Don't worry, you don't need to give money to anyone. Don't listen to these fucking bastards.
Borrello observed Bankman-Fried's condition as severely depressed, describing him as the type of inmate who wouldn't endure long in prison.
He has the body of an 80-year-old man. He has, like, no shape to him, you know what I mean? When he talks to you, he puts his head down, he’s very timid, he talks very nervous.
Furthermore, Borrello notes that SBF seemed incapable of facing his reality (this was before the court's decision). The former crypto mogul was emotionally unstable, fluctuating between hope and despair, sometimes fearing a life sentence, and at other times, convinced of his imminent acquittal.
Gene Borrello expresses that in prison, SBF seemed more worried about his own safety than the legal troubles he faced.
We all looked at him like he was crazy. And that’s probably true.
The release of this interview prompts questions about its intent. Is it driven by Tiffany Fong's pursuit of hype, or does this video conceal a deeper agenda?
Borrello's concluding statement on the SBF case might provide some insight:
Every prosecutor wants to be involved in this case because everyone wants to be policymakers, analysts and top-notch federal prosecutors. This is very outrageous… I think it's all nonsense! There's no reason to give this guy 100 years. It's just crazy.
If this signals the start of a campaign by Sam's lawyers, it's a clever strategy. The interview video has garnered over 1000 comments, with many sympathizing and supporting the ‘poor guy' who may face a lifetime in prison.
We're also eager to hear from those who suffered losses in the FTX collapse and from the exchange's creditors.
The content on The Coinomist is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content. Neither we accept liability for any errors or omissions in the information provided or for any financial losses incurred as a result of relying on this information. Actions based on this content are at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult a professional. See our Terms, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers for more details.
Articles by this author
