# Trump Pardons Co-Founders of BitMex Exchange

*Author: Bankless*
*Published: Mar 28, 2025*
*Source: https://www.bankless.com/read/trump-pardons-co-founders-of-bitmex-exchange*

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Donald Trump pardons three BitMEX co-founders convicted of federal violations, raising new questions about accountability in crypto.

## **What’s the Scoop?**
- **Presidential Pardons**: Donald Trump granted clemency to BitMEX co-founders Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo, and Samuel Reed for prior federal offenses.
- **Criminal Charges**: The trio pled guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act, operating BitMEX as a ‘money laundering platform,’ and paid substantial fines.
- **Sentencing and Fines**: Hayes, Delo, and Reed received probation and collectively paid $30 million in civil and criminal fines.
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