Crypto Promoter and Failed Politician Michelle Bond Accused of Illegally Taking FTX Cash

As a researcher with years of experience in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrencies and politics, I find myself constantly amazed by the twists and turns that these two industries can take. The recent indictment of Michelle Bond, a former SEC lawyer and once-prominent crypto advocate, for allegedly taking illegal campaign contributions to fund her 2022 congressional bid is yet another example of this intricate dance between finance, technology, and politics.

As Michelle Bond, a former Washington-based crypto advocate who previously served as a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission attorney, I find myself in the midst of federal charges for alleged illegal campaign contributions during my 2022 Congressional bid. Court records reveal an apparent influx of funds traced back to my ex-FTX executive partner.

On Thursday, a grand jury indictment was unveiled charging Bond with multiple offenses related to the illicit handling and acceptance of campaign contributions, which were linked to ex-high-ranking official Ryan Salame. Furthermore, it was alleged that she submitted ethics paperwork for the campaign under false pretenses regarding the origin of her funds.

On Thursday at 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, it’s anticipated that Bond will appear before a magistrate judge in Manhattan, as informed by a court clerk to CoinDesk.

Although Salame wasn’t explicitly mentioned in the court documents, the details align with the former CEO of FTX Digital Markets based in The Bahamas, who recently received a 7.5-year prison sentence as part of a plea bargain. Now, Salame claims that this deal was intended to shield Bond from further prosecution. His legal team argues that Salame’s guilty plea for campaign finance violations and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business was a strategic move to halt the case against Bond. (A hearing on this matter has been scheduled for next month.)

Earlier this week, I learned that an indictment against Bond was dated by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

In more straightforward terms: Regarding Bond, who’s been trying to re-engage in discussions about crypto policies, a spokesperson was not available for a statement. Meanwhile, attempts to reach out to Salame via his legal team have yet to receive a response.

Salame and Bond share a child, and frequently appeared alongside Bond during his unsuccessful bid for a Republican seat in the U.S. House of Representatives from New York. At that time, they aimed to establish connections within the sphere of former President Donald Trump, with Salame eventually earning an endorsement from Donald Trump Jr.

1. In accordance with election regulations, a self-financing contender must verify that they’re utilizing their personal funds. Allegations have been made against Bond for accepting numerous payments totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2022.

In February of 2022, as stated in the indictment, Bond texted Salame saying, “I just wanted to express my gratitude for settling that consulting firm invoice… I truly appreciate your help, it means a lot.”

He allegedly replied, “If you’re expressing gratitude for that, let me remind you that the costs of your operation are what will earn me all the love <3.”

Despite spending approximately the same amount as her Republican primary competitor and receiving around $1.3 million in ad funding from the cryptocurrency sector, she only garnered slightly over 29% of the votes cast.