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Ex safe moon ceo sentenced to 8 years for crypto fraud

Ex SafeMoon CEO Sentenced to 8 Years | Fallout from Crypto Fraud

By

Liam O'Sullivan

Feb 13, 2026, 09:30 AM

Edited By

Oliver Brown

Updated

Feb 13, 2026, 08:37 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A courtroom scene showing the former SafeMoon CEO during sentencing for crypto fraud

Braden Karony, former CEO of SafeMoon, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for defrauding investors of over $200 million. This verdict raises serious concerns about accountability in the crypto space and ignites frustration among those impacted.

A Troubled Journey from Launch to Collapse

Launched in 2021, SafeMoon experienced rapid growth but soon faced liquidity issues and accusations of fraud. Karony misused investor funds for personal luxuries, leading to his guilty verdict and a major shakeup in the crypto community.

Reactions from the Community

Recent comments from forums reveal a mix of disbelief and anger regarding the sentencing. One user noted, "Your faith in the judicial system is nice, but weโ€™ve mostly seen fines based on a percent of the gains." Another expressed skepticism about Karony being truly penalized: "Meh, he'll get a pardon and join 47's executive staff."

"Fascinating to watch people invest in something labeled 'safe.' Safe was in the name, but that raised red flags," one commentator reflected, highlighting the naivety of some investors.

Public Sentiment Shifts

Comments indicate a growing desire for accountability across the crypto ecosystem. Users are demanding tougher penalties not just for Karony, but for all involved in crypto scams. A user summed it up succinctly: "Good, now do all the others."

What's Next for Crypto Regulation?

As public demand for accountability grows, there's speculation that this case could catalyze tighter regulations within the industry. Many anticipate new laws focusing on transparency and investor protection could emerge within the next couple of years.

Key Insights

  • โœ… Many in the community feel the sentence is too lenient, with some predicting future pardons for Karony.

  • โšก Users emphasize the need for stronger accountability, calling for actions against a broader group of scam projects.

  • ๐ŸŽฏ "Does he also have to pay all the money back?" - A concerned commenter on potential hidden assets.

The case has stirred significant public outrage, echoing sentiments for major reforms in crypto regulation. As history shows, some crises can lead to essential changes in oversightโ€”could this be the push needed for a safer crypto environment?