The Crypto King Falls: CEO Sentenced to 100 Months for Stealing Dreams

by

Braden John Karony, once the high-flying captain of the SafeMoon ship, has found himself tossed overboard, condemned to a hundred months in the chilly embrace of a federal prison. The jury, armed with evidence sharper than a sailor’s knife, found him guilty of a veritable buffet of fraud-a smorgasbord that included securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, no less.

In the hushed halls of justice, it was revealed through courtroom whispers that Karony had spun a tale as comforting as a warm blanket on a cold night, assuring his investors that their precious liquidity was safely locked away. Alas, it turned out to be as secure as a sandcastle at high tide, with over $9 million slipping through his fingers to fund a lifestyle more extravagant than a peacock on parade.

“Not only did Braden John Karony abuse his position as CEO,” declared James C. Barnacle, Jr., an FBI assistant director whose name sounds like he belongs on a ship, “but he also betrayed the trust of his investors, pilfering over $9 million in crypto from his company to fuel his lavish whims.” A true captain gone rogue, indeed!

The founder of SafeMoon has been sentenced to 100 months in prison

The founder of FTX claims the exchange was solvent while serving 25 year sentence

– Wendy O (@CryptoWendyO) February 10, 2026

SafeMoon: False Locks And Hidden Transfers

As reports rolled in, it became crystal clear that Karony and his merry band of misfits had assured buyers that SafeMoon’s liquidity pools were as impenetrable as Fort Knox. Instead, prosecutors illuminated the truth-that over $9 million had been spirited away from those pools faster than a magician’s rabbit. The spoils were used to acquire luxurious abodes and shiny vehicles, painting a picture of desperation for small investors whose dreams crumbled like old bread.

Victims came from all walks of life, including military veterans and hardworking Americans-each one entrusting their hard-earned money to a man who, it turns out, was more interested in his own pocket than theirs. “He lied to investors from all walks of life,” lamented US Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. It seems trust was the ultimate casualty in this grand circus.

Founder of SafeMoon, Braden Karony, has just been sentenced to 100 months in prison.

“This is more like theft than fraud. It was not a small loss per person like in many securities frauds. Mr. Karony, please rise. I sentence you to 100 months in the custody of the AG. On count…”

– Ariel Givner (@GivnerAriel) February 10, 2026

The Trial And Conviction

The trial, a three-week spectacle in May 2025, bore witness to a jury that delivered verdicts with the precision of a well-oiled machine. Judge Eric Komitee presided over the proceedings, ensuring that Karony’s fate was sealed tighter than a vault door. The Justice Department, in their pursuit of justice, sought a term that would make even the hardest criminals shudder, and the court complied.

One former executive, Thomas Smith, has already pleaded guilty, likely wishing he had brought a life vest to this sinking ship. Meanwhile, other co-founders remain under suspicion, as authorities plot to reclaim the lost treasure through forfeiture and restitution orders.

Ruined Lives & Lost Money

Investors flocked to SafeMoon like moths to a flame, lured by the promise of a new investment horizon. However, as the smoke cleared, many discovered the stark reality behind glitzy promotions and social media chatter-a world where trust evaporated faster than morning dew. Some investors watched their balances plummet, while others followed the paper trail, growing alarmed as they traced funds leading to private accounts and luxury purchases. Trust, it seems, is a fragile thing, easily shattered when the right controls are absent.

Restitution And Future Cases

The court ordered the forfeiture of around $7.5 million, though experts suggest that the full extent of the losses remains a puzzle yet to be solved in upcoming hearings. Restitution processes promise to return some funds to the victims, albeit at a pace that could make a snail look like a speedster.

Law enforcement in the US has signaled a firm commitment to pursuing crypto fraud cases, hinting that this saga is far from over. More investigations loom on the horizon, suggesting that those accused of similar schemes might want to invest in a good lawyer while they still can!

Read More

2026-02-11 17:21