• Gary Wang is the little-known FTX co-founder who plead guilty to fraud in December.
• He has been cooperating with prosecutors regarding his role at FTX, including its operation and subsequent collapse.
• Sam Bankman-Fried, former CEO of FTX, was charged by the SEC with “a multiyear scheme to defraud equity investors” and pleaded not guilty to five additional charges.

Mysterious FTX Co-Founder Gary Wang Cooperates with Prosecutors

Gary Wang is the little-known co-founder of crypto exchange FTX who pled guilty to fraud in December. Reports indicate that he has been cooperating with prosecutors, providing insight into his role within the company leading up to its operation and eventual collapse.

Role of Gary Wang

Wang served as chief technology officer for FTX and was the second largest shareholder after Sam Bankman-Fried. Despite his prominent role in managing the company, he kept a low profile – rarely seen online or featured in media stories – and even refrained from using a profile picture within their internal system. He first met Bankman-Fried while attending a math camp as teenagers, and was described by an inside source as someone “who was like ‘just tell me what to do and leave me alone’.”

Sam Bankman Fried’s Charges

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged Wang with “a multiyear scheme to defraud equity investors in FTX” while Bankman-Fried has faced 13 counts which include details about political donations made illegally. While pleading not guilty for both sets of charges brought against him, Bankman-Fried admitted making mistakes during his time running FTX but maintained that he did not believe himself criminally liable.

Background on Gary Wang

Wang’s father described him as someone who had an early focus on math and coding; “from a young age he was very quiet…and solely focused on his strongest interest”. Despite being such an integral part of the rise and fall of FTC, many viewed him as naive due believing people around him were good.

Conclusion

Gary Wang entered a plea deal for fraud in December and since then has been working closely with prosecutors regarding his involvement at FTC leading up to its failure. Sam Bankman Fried also faces multiple counts from SEC but has maintained that he does not think himself criminally liable for any wrongdoings