Caroline Ellison ‘Spotted’ in New York Coffee Shop: Is the Former Alameda CEO Making Moves?

The crypto world is buzzing once again, and this time it’s not about market fluctuations, but a potential real-world sighting that has everyone talking. Remember Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of Alameda Research and a central figure in the FTX saga? Well, a picture claiming to be her, sipping coffee in Manhattan, New York, has ignited a firestorm of speculation across Crypto Twitter.

Did Caroline Ellison Really Just Show Up in NYC?

On December 4th, social media went into overdrive when two intriguing photos surfaced on Twitter. These images purportedly show a woman resembling Caroline Ellison at a Ground Support Cafe in SoHo, Manhattan, casually ordering coffee. Take a look at the tweet that started it all:

A user says they saw Caroline Ellison at 8:15 AM [UTC] at Ground Support Coffee on West Broad in SoHo, Manhattan.

This would mean she isn't in Hong Kong and is instead in New York where she isn't being held.

Developing… pic.twitter.com/9lMXjJlbjV

— Autism Capital 🧩 (@AutismCapital) December 4, 2022

Adding another layer of intrigue, the photos also seem to feature Gopher, the Golden Doodle puppy often associated with FTX and Alameda executives. If it is indeed Gopher, this detail further fuels the speculation that the person in the picture is indeed Ellison.

Here’s a quick recap of what we know:

• The Sighting: Photos emerged on Twitter on December 4th, appearing to show Caroline Ellison at Ground Support Cafe in Manhattan.
• Location: The cafe is in SoHo, Manhattan, New York.
• The Dog: Gopher, the FTX/Alameda-linked Golden Doodle, is seemingly present in the photos.
• Source: The photos were initially shared by Twitter user Autism Capital, a self-described “citizen journalist,” who received them from an unnamed source.

Confirmation From… A Barista?

Adding fuel to the fire, a Twitter user named Daniel Mentado (@dmentado), claiming to be an employee at Ground Support Cafe, responded to the initial tweet, seemingly confirming the sighting. He stated that one of his employees served Ellison.

Can confirm. One of my employees served her.

— Daniel Mentado (@dmentado) December 4, 2022

While this isn’t official confirmation from law enforcement or Ellison herself, it certainly adds weight to the rumor. But is it enough to be conclusive? Let’s dive into what the crypto community is thinking.

Crypto Twitter Reacts: Shock, Speculation, and Legal Theories

The crypto community’s reaction has been a mix of shock and intense speculation. Here’s a breakdown of the main sentiments:

• Surprise and Disbelief: Many are surprised to see Ellison potentially in the U.S., especially given the ongoing investigations and potential legal repercussions following the FTX and Alameda collapse.
• Deal with Authorities?: A prominent theory is that Ellison might be in New York to cooperate with authorities and potentially strike a deal. This aligns with speculation about her potential involvement in the FTX downfall and the desire of authorities to understand what happened.
• Proximity to Law Enforcement: Eagle-eyed observers quickly pointed out the coffee shop’s close proximity to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the New York FBI office. Coincidence? Or calculated move?
• Escape from Hong Kong?: Prior to this, Ellison’s last rumored location was Hong Kong. Reports from mid-November suggested she was attempting to reach Dubai. New York is quite a detour from either of those locations!

Legal Ramifications: Why New York Matters

The speculation about Ellison making a deal with authorities is fueled by the immense legal pressure surrounding the FTX collapse. Being in New York, especially if it’s voluntary, could indicate a willingness to cooperate with U.S. investigations. Here’s why this is significant:

• Jurisdiction: The U.S. has clear jurisdiction over FTX and Alameda’s operations, especially considering they served US customers and were heavily involved in the US financial system.
• Investigation Hub: New York is a major hub for financial crime investigations. The presence of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI in Manhattan underscores this.
• Potential Charges: Ellison, as the former CEO of Alameda, could face serious charges depending on the findings of ongoing investigations. Cooperation could potentially mitigate these consequences.

Hold Your Horses: Is It Really Her?

Despite the excitement and speculation, it’s crucial to remember one key point: there is still no definitive proof that the person in the photo is Caroline Ellison.

Here are the caveats to consider:

• Unconfirmed Photos: The photos are circulating on Twitter, originating from an unnamed source. Their authenticity hasn’t been officially verified.
• Resemblance, Not Proof: While the woman in the photos bears a resemblance to Ellison, it could be someone else entirely.
• Community Attempts to Verify: Some members of the crypto community reportedly attempted to visit the coffee shop in person to verify the sighting, but so far, no concrete confirmation has emerged from these efforts.

The FTX Saga Continues…

The alleged sighting of Caroline Ellison in New York adds another layer of intrigue to the already complex and dramatic FTX saga. Whether it’s truly her, and if so, what her presence in New York signifies, remains to be seen. However, it’s undeniable that this development has reignited the crypto community’s focus on the unfolding legal and financial fallout from the FTX collapse. As investigations continue and more information potentially surfaces, the crypto world will be watching closely to see what happens next in this ever-twisting narrative.