Ryan Salame, former FTX executive, had reportedly served notice that he would not testify concerning his role in an ostensibly illegal series of campaign donations made by FTX if summoned to do so at Sam Bankman-Fried’s criminal trial. According to an Aug. 14 case filing by federal prosecutors, Salame’s legal counsel signified that he would exercise his right against self-incrimination if called to testify. “Salame’s attorney has represented that if subpoenaed, Salame would invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination,” the motion states, “meaning Salame would be unavailable as a witness.”
Salame, the erstwhile CEO of FTX Digital Markets gifted more than $24 million to Republicans ahead of related elections, according to Open Secrets. Salame may likewise encounter charges of finance campaign violations and has opted to discuss a plea agreement with the Department of Justice. The individual accepted income in the course of his work at Alameda Research, a now nascent trading house owned and ran by the mortgaged firm FTX.
Besides official proceedings at the district court, Salame’s residence was subpoenaed in April by the FBI. Speculation bubbling up at the time included reason to the search, though the allegations held unconfirmed. The veteran executive of FTX had notable ties with Sam Bankman-Fried, whom himself was kept in holding and faces charges relative to dishonesty soon at court in October.
