Sam Bankman-Fried, the former cryptocurrency mogul, is set to be sentenced on Thursday, with his legal team and prosecutors presenting vastly different views on the appropriate length of his prison term. Bankman-Fried's lawyers have submitted a final batch of letters pleading for leniency, including one from an MIT classmate, highlighting his character and contributions, and arguing for a sentence of 5 ½ to 6 ½ years based on factors including his autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. In contrast, prosecutors are seeking a much harsher penalty of 40 to 50 years, citing the severity of his crimes, which could have resulted in a sentence of up to 110 years, and reiterating a $1.7 billion loss figure. The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile financial crimes, including Bernie Madoff's 150-year sentence. The outcome of the sentencing will be closely watched, with market consensus hinting at a potential 20 to 30-year sentence. The judge will have to decide whether Bankman-Fried is a typical financial fraudster or a figure comparable to Bernie Madoff. The court has received 52 victims' statements, including one from a parent of an FTX victim who lost $130,000. Bankman-Fried is currently charged with seven criminal charges.