Yigit Taha OZTURK 
The US Southern District Court of New York has sentenced former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky to 12 years in prison for fraud. The decision marks a significant moment for the crypto industry, signaling that Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other technologies are no shield from justice when fraud is involved.
Hopes for Leniency Dashed
Mashinsky’s defense argued for a lighter sentence — 366 days — citing his clean record, military service, and guilty plea. However, federal prosecutors pushed for a 20-year term, stating that Mashinsky targeted retail investors, not institutions. This fact ultimately led the court to impose a harsher penalty.
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Trump’s Pardon Legacy Fails to Influence Outcome
Former President Donald Trump previously pardoned high-profile crypto figures like Ross Ulbricht and BitMEX executives, raising hopes in some circles for clemency. Yet this case proved different. Despite arguments comparing him favorably to Sam Bankman-Fried, the court delivered a severe verdict.
With figures like Changpeng Zhao seeking clemency and others like Roger Ver and SBF under legal scrutiny, this ruling sets a precedent that crypto fraud, regardless of innovation or intent, will not be tolerated.
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