Ex-Celsius CEO Mashinsky Moves to Overturn 12-Year Sentence

• Mashinsky files to overturn 12-year fraud sentence.
• Alleges FTX interference, tainted evidence in Celsius case.

On May 30, 2026, Cointelegraph reported that Alex Mashinsky, former Celsius CEO, filed a motion in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York to vacate his 12-year prison sentence for fraud and market manipulation. Mashinsky, now representing himself after the withdrawal of his legal counsel, claims ineffective representation, prosecutorial misconduct, and external interference during the proceedings.

Mashinsky’s motion argues that evidence presented at his trial was tainted, invoking the legal doctrine of “fruit of the poisonous tree.” His filing suggests that authorities engaged in misconduct while collecting and using evidence, which he asserts undermined the trial’s fairness and the legitimacy of the verdict.

Within his submission, Mashinsky alleges that former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried interfered with the prosecution. He also cites a hostile takeover attempt by a former Celsius executive, suggesting internal conflict and potential bias affected the case. Communications with Roni Cohen-Pavon, the ex-chief revenue officer at Celsius who cooperated with authorities and received a time-served sentence after testifying against Mashinsky, are also included as part of the evidence Mashinsky is challenging.

Mashinsky not only contests the outcome of the trial but also the imposed financial penalties. He disputes a $48 million forfeiture as well as a suspended $4.72 billion judgment from the Federal Trade Commission, of which $10 million has already been paid as part of his settlement.

According to court documents dated May 28, 2026, and Cointelegraph’s reporting, Mashinsky’s challenge remains ongoing as he seeks court intervention to vacate his sentence and the associated penalties.