Cryptocurrency scandal twist: Former Alameda executive Caroline Ellison in federal prison will be released early

According to the latest records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, former Alameda Research CEO Кэролайн Эллисон is scheduled for release on January 21, 2026, marking a key milestone in one of the largest fraud cases in crypto history.

According to federal records, Эллисон’s release date has been moved up from the original February date to January 21. Since October 16, 2025, she has transitioned from the FCI Danbury prison in Connecticut to community supervision. This change indicates her full sentence is nearing completion, but she still remains under supervision by the New York Federal Reentry Management Office.

From Strict Sanctions to Conditional Freedom: The Judicial Trajectory of Эллисон’s Case

In December 2022, Кэролайн Эллисон admitted to involvement in fraud and conspiracy charges. These two charges are directly related to the collapse of FTX in 2022, which resulted in billions of dollars in user funds lost. In September 2024, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan sentenced Эллисон to two years in prison and confiscated $11 billion in assets.

Compared to the 25-year sentence of founder Сэм Бэнкман-Фрид, Эллисон received a significant reduction. Judge Kaplan explicitly stated that her extensive cooperation was a decisive factor in the sentencing. As a key government witness, Эллисон provided detailed testimony regarding FTX’s transfer of funds to Alameda, offering crucial evidence for the prosecution.

Post-Release Restrictions and Industry Warnings

Although Кэролайн Эллисон is about to gain her personal freedom, restrictions have not been fully lifted. She must complete a three-year supervised release period, during which she will undergo strict compliance reviews. More importantly, she has accepted a 10-year professional ban—prohibiting her from serving as an executive or director of a publicly listed company or a crypto exchange.

The case of Alameda’s former leader has had a profound impact on the crypto market. The collapse of FTX triggered a global scrutiny of exchange governance, with regulators increasing oversight of market participants and raising compliance costs. Эллисон’s cooperation reflects the complexities of accountability—critics argue her misconduct caused significant harm, while supporters emphasize her testimony helped ensure judicial justice.

This landmark case in crypto history continues to shape the industry’s regulatory landscape and investor confidence. Whether through Эллисон’s early release or the entire FTX incident, it constantly reminds market participants to remain vigilant about risks and to strengthen due diligence.