Alameda’s $150M Bribery Bombshell: Thai Sex Workers and Sam Trabucco’s Disappearance Fuels Mystery

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In a recent and highly significant revelation, Caroline Ellison’s testimony has shed light on a startling development involving Alameda Research. It is alleged that the company paid a staggering $150 million to Chinese officials in a bid to regain access to accounts valued at over $1 billion. Concurrently, this unfolding narrative becomes even more perplexing as Sam Trabucco, the former co-CEO, appears to have vanished from public view following the downturn of FTX.

The Enigma Surrounding FTX’s Decline, Alameda’s Accusations of Bribery, and the Ominous Absence of Sam Trabucco

While Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) himself is not facing bribery charges, the matter was brought to the forefront during Caroline Ellison’s testimony, thanks to the intervention of Bahamian authorities. According to her account, in 2020, Chinese officials imposed a freeze on accounts containing a staggering $1 billion. By November 2021, the team allegedly sought the assistance of David Ma, a colleague with purported connections in China, to navigate this complex situation. Astonishingly, Ma managed to unfreeze the funds, and these courtroom proceedings were covered by Inner City Press reporter Matthew Russell Lee.

However, the path to resolution was far from straightforward. Initially, the FTX leadership explored alternative avenues, including leveraging accounts linked to Thai sex workers. When this strategy proved unsuccessful, bribery took center stage, and at that time, Sam Trabucco served as co-CEO. Ellison’s testimony left no room for ambiguity; she stated that she conducted the transactions related to the alleged bribes following instructions from both Bankman-Fried and Trabucco in a Signal chat. This marked the first public mention of Trabucco’s involvement in these alleged infractions during the trial.

Since FTX’s collapse in November 2022, Trabucco has maintained a conspicuous silence. Adding intrigue to the situation, his luxurious yacht recently emerged in discussions related to FTX’s bankruptcy, with Bankman-Fried suggesting that Trabucco may have discreetly exited the scene. Additionally, Ellison highlighted the concerns raised by a former Alameda trader known as “Handi,” who expressed unease over the alleged bribery. When Handi confided in Ellison and she subsequently informed her boss, SBF’s alleged response was a curt and explicit directive. It’s important to note that the judge allowed this testimony, though it wasn’t a formal charge.

Ellison also mentioned the existence of a ledger titled “State of Alameda” where she documented the alleged bribes. She asserted that SBF advised her to record the information ambiguously to avoid direct implications, possibly alluding to its potential impact in a court of law. In describing Bankman-Fried’s philosophy, Ellison characterized him as a “utilitarian,” noting that his ethical framework appeared to differ from conventional values such as “don’t lie” and “don’t steal.” She further disclosed receiving a substantial bonus of $20 million from her job and extending a loan of $100,000 to one of her parents.

With Trabucco’s name now thrust into the spotlight, associated with rumors of bribery involving Chinese dignitaries, his fate remains uncertain. While four prominent officials have cooperated with the prosecution, a veil of mystery still surrounds Trabucco’s level of involvement, and it is unclear whether he is under scrutiny. Speculation abounds that he might be intentionally avoiding public attention, enjoying a lavish lifestyle aboard his opulent yacht, aptly named “Soak My Deck.” However, following these recent revelations, the pressing question on everyone’s mind is: Where in the world is Sam Trabucco?

We invite you to share your thoughts and insights regarding Caroline Ellison’s testimony and Trabucco’s entanglement in these affairs in the comments section below.

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More about Bribery Allegations

• Alameda Research
• FTX
• Chinese Officials
• Bribery Allegations
• Sam Trabucco
• Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF)
• David Ma
• Inner City Press
• Utilitarian Ethics
• Financial Scandal
• Legal Proceedings
• Thai Sex Workers
• Financial Dispute