Reports emerge that Sam Bankman-Fried, former CEO of the collapsed FTX crypto exchange, is navigating the world of prison currency.
Currently held at the New York Metropolitan Detention Center, Bankman-Fried is said to be trading mackerel fish, known as "macks" within the prison community.
Following the prohibition of tobacco and cigarettes in 2004, the customary practice has become trading mackerel fish.
Recent revelations include Bankman-Fried exchanging 4 macks for a haircut service, highlighting the adaptability of the crypto-billionaire in his new reality.
The prison consultant, Bill Baroni, revealed these developments to the crypto community.
Prison consultant Bill Baroni said:
"The mack currency system is far more stable than crypto,"
Bankman-Fried's actions, including a fresh haircut ahead of his court trial, are seen as resourceful amid his incarceration.
The mackerel currency has gained value since its introduction in 2020, now priced at $1.30 per packet in the prison commissary.
This tangible asset's popularity showcases its strength in controlled environments with limited access to conventional currencies.
Bankman-Fried's court appeals and pending sentencing for wire fraud and money laundering charges coincide with his unconventional use of mackerel as a prison currency.
Social media reactions, including comments from tech expert who's also a former inmate Martin Shkreli, confirm mackerel's status as a staple in US prisons.
While facing up to 115 years in prison, Bankman-Fried, known for his involvement in cryptocurrency trading, seems to be adapting to his new reality by sharing crypto insights with correctional officers.
Despite the unconventional turn of events, Bankman-Fried's spokesman, Mark Botnìck, noted:
"Sam's doing the best he can under the circumstances."
This adaptation is a testament to Bankman-Fried's financial acumen, from his early days as an intern at Jane Street Capital to the founding of Alameda in 2017.