A US court has sentenced Alex Mashinsky, the former CEO of cryptocurrency lender Celsius Network, to 12 years in prison following his indictment on fraud charges. The sentence concludes a high-profile case involving the collapse of Celsius, which left many users unable to access their funds. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) had initially sought a 20-year sentence, arguing that Mashinsky misled investors about the financial health of Celsius and its business practices. The defense team, on the other hand, contended that such a severe punishment was unwarranted and proposed a maximum sentence of one year. Ultimately, the court landed on a 12-year term. The Celsius bankruptcy and the subsequent charges against Mashinsky have highlighted the risks associated with investing in unregulated crypto lending platforms. This case serves as a cautionary tale for both investors and executives in the digital asset space, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. ```