Where did the money go?

Over $8 billion of customer money was spent by former crypto vendor Sam Bankman-Freed and his companies. The spending can be categorized into four main buckets. Firstly, a significant portion of the funds was used to buy connections and political allies, including investments in individuals who could introduce Sam to famous people. Secondly, a substantial amount was spent on gambling, including investments in various crypto tokens, illiquid investments, and even non-crypto ventures like an AI startup. Thirdly, there was a substantial real estate spending spree, with millions of dollars used to buy properties, including a $30 million penthouse. Lastly, there were charitable donations, although the exact amount is hard to determine, there are indications that Sam gave a significant amount to charitable causes. Ultimately, while Sam claimed to be focused on giving money away, his actions and spending choices suggest a more complex motivation, including a desire to make connections, make high-risk investments, and support his own lifestyle and business ventures.