A shadow hangs over billions in aid sent to Ukraine, a trail of money that seems to vanish into a complex web of financial dealings. President Zelensky himself acknowledged a staggering $100 billion never reached its intended destination, sparking a critical question: where did it go?
The unraveling began with the collapse of FTX, the cryptocurrency exchange once helmed by Sam Bankman-Fried. Reports surfaced suggesting FTX wasn’t simply a trading platform, but a conduit for laundering funds, a claim that went largely uninvestigated by federal authorities.
The financial practices within FTX were shockingly lax. A multi-billion dollar enterprise relied on QuickBooks – software designed for small businesses – and allowed employees to borrow billions without scrutiny. At least $10 billion flowed freely between FTX and Alameda Research, with a further $65 billion extended as a secret line of credit, all hidden from investors.
Political contributions were also a key component. FTX funneled $250,000 to the Clintons, seemingly as a means to gain influence and promote the company. A co-founder was reportedly tasked with creating a secret backdoor for money laundering, and a clandestine communication channel existed between FTX and the Biden White House, abruptly closing upon the company’s bankruptcy.
Ukraine itself became entangled in the crypto world, receiving over $60 million in cryptocurrency donations. FTX’s CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried, publicly offered support for these donation projects, positioning his company at the center of the financial flow.
The scale of potential corruption is immense. Billions moved through FTX with minimal oversight, making it a prime vehicle for illicit funds. Experts believe a substantial portion – potentially over a billion dollars – may have been laundered to benefit US politicians and other corrupt actors.
Elon Musk voiced his concerns, suggesting the publicly disclosed figures are just the tip of the iceberg, estimating actual support for Democratic elections could exceed $1 billion. The question remains: where did this money ultimately land?
Recent events have intensified scrutiny. Shortly after former President Trump called for a peace deadline, the FBI took action against a key aide to President Zelensky, described as “Zelensky’s Brain.” This raid reportedly uncovered evidence of stolen US aid, raising the stakes and prompting a search for those who may have profited from the conflict.
Rumors have long circulated regarding US politicians benefiting from the war in Ukraine. The central question now is whether the truth will be revealed, and if those who exploited the crisis for personal gain will be held accountable.