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An S.B.F. Arm Twist for Crypto’s Bonnie & Clyde

How Ryan Salame and Michelle Bond, the Potomac power couple fueled by FTX money, found themselves in the crosshairs of federal prosecutors and a jilted ex-husband with a joint interest in their downfall.

Ryan Salame and Michelle Bond were not married, even if they appeared to spend practically every waking moment together, traipsing about Greek community festivals and luxury car races.
Ryan Salame and Michelle Bond were not married, even if they appeared to spend practically every waking moment together, traipsing about Greek community festivals and luxury car races. Photo: James Carbone/Newsday RM via Getty Images
Theodore Schleifer
July 19, 2023

When crypto lobbyist Michelle Bond launched her run for Congress on Long Island, last summer, even some of the people working with her had a few misgivings. They weren’t necessarily worried about the campaign, which made up for its late start by enlisting the professional services of G.O.P. consultant Jeff Roe & Co., or about Bond, herself, who stunned friends by rebranding as an ultra-MAGA candidate with an endorsement from Don Jr. and an alliance with George Santos. But they did have second thoughts about the financial role of Bond’s partner, Ryan Salame, the FTX executive with whom she was joined at the hip.