According to a recent Des Moines Register report, the Iowa Democrat Party (IDP) under Chairman Ross Wilburn appears to have accepted a $250,000 one-time contribution from a former executive of bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX.

The contribution is one of many that comprise the millions in political contributions – largely to Democrats and Democrat-aligned groups – made by disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried and his inner circle. Bankman-Fried was recently arrested in the Bahamas and faces criminal charges for wire fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and campaign finance violations. 

National Democrat groups such as the House Majority PAC and Senate Majority PAC have already set their FTX cash aside to be returned when instructed to do so by law enforcement authorities.

“It is unconscionable for the Iowa Democrat Party to continue to sit on money from known fraudsters who blatantly scammed innocent people,” said Republican Party of Iowa Communications Director Kush Desai. “Chairman Ross Wilburn should do the right thing and return the $250,000 contribution.”