Former Goldman Sachs analyst Anthony Viggiano, who once won a college ethics competition, was sentenced to 28 months for insider trading using Signal and an Xbox, netting over $400,000 in illegal profits.

In a case blending high finance with gaming consoles, Anthony Viggiano's downfall from ethics champ to felon culminated in a 28-month sentence. Using Signal and an Xbox, Viggiano funneled inside information to his stepbrother and college buddy, resulting in illegal profits exceeding $400,000. The sentencing, designed to deter such clever but criminal behavior, marks a stark contradiction to his prior accolades in ethical conduct.

Anthony Viggiano, who found himself on the wrong side of the law, pleaded guilty to securities fraud in January. His scheme, carried out with the assistance of Signal's encryption and Xbox's discreet gaming channels, was nothing short of audacious.

The recipients of Viggiano's insider tips were none other than his stepbrother, Christopher Salamone, and his college buddy, Stephen Forlano. Together, they raked in a hefty sum from their under-the-table trades.

"It was a catastrophically stupid decision," Viggiano confessed in a letter to the judge. This moment of clarity came after the prosecutors had their say, pushing for a 30-month sentence to set an example — a request that barely missed its mark.

Christopher Salamone, who was tipped off by Viggiano, pocketed over $300,000. He must wait until August 20, 2024, to discover his fate, though it is unlikely to bode well given his role. Interestingly, he also secretly recorded Viggiano discussing the FBI’s investigation, a move that perhaps adds a twist to their sibling dynamic.

Stephen Forlano, the college buddy, walked away with a cool $114,000 from the illicit transactions. His reward for his involvement? A 13-month stay at a federal facility, a lighter sentence handed down in May 2024.

The insider trading scheme didn’t stop at just a few companies. Transactions included significant entities like American International Group and satellite operator Maxar Technologies, showing the breadth of their criminal enterprise. Who knew illegal activities could have such a diverse portfolio?

Viggiano didn’t just distribute tips to his inner circle; even a US Army captain received some of this sensitive information. Fortunately for the captain, he managed to avoid adding 'prisoner' to his resume since no criminal charges were filed against him.

One of the scheme's more cinematic moments involved Viggiano receiving $35,000 in a bag of cash from Salamone. It's not every day that finance and espionage blend so seamlessly, making this case one for the books.

US District Court Judge Valerie Caproni underscored the need for a tough sentence to deter the finance industry from such reckless behavior. Viggiano’s 28-month sentence speaks volumes, aimed at sending a clear message. Perhaps, during his time, Viggiano will have plenty of moments to reflect on what he described as a 'catastrophically stupid decision.'

Before Viggiano's foray into insider trading at Goldman Sachs, he had already dipped his toes into these murky waters at Blackstone. Clearly, this wasn't a case of sudden fall from grace—it was more like he took the staircase instead of the elevator.

In an attempt to garner leniency, Viggiano's lawyers painted his actions as those of a 'seemingly overgrown frat boy' rather than driven by excessive greed. Whether the court bought this argument is debatable, but it certainly added a layer of youthful folly to the otherwise grave charges.

Remarkably, before his descent into illicit trading, Viggiano had won a college ethics competition at the University of Tampa. This ironic twist makes his story all the more compelling — a young man once lauded for his moral compass now navigating the criminal justice system.

As for his future, Viggiano expressed a desire to re-enlist in the US Marine Corps, perhaps seeking redemption through service. Given his current predicament, one might say he has a bit of a 'waitlist' situation on his hands.

Ultimately, Anthony Viggiano’s story is a testament to the thin line between legitimate finance and felony. His use of modern technology for age-old schemes shows that while methods evolve, the risks and repercussions remain timeless.