Raj Rajaratnam Gets 11 Years, Needs A Kidney

By Bess Levin


The defense had asked for 6.5 to 8 years on account of 1) the fact that, they say, Raj only made $7.4 million off his trades and 2) the “unique constellation of ailments ravaging his body” that would result in him dying behind bars if given a sentence “anywhere near” the prosecution’s request for 19.5 to 24 years.

While it’s possible that his little brother’s e-mailing initiative paid dividends, the judge apparently went for less time (plus a $10 million fine) owing in part to the work Raj has done in Sri Lanka and on account of his diabetes and need for a kidney transplant. The big guy will be reporting to prison on November 28 (his team is hoping for Butner, where Bernie’s been shacking up), so in addition to looking for a willing organ donor, he’ll likely be making these last 6 weeks count. Blowout Halloween party? Check. Face-painting in Zuccotti Park? Check. Deep-fried Thanksgiving Turducken? Try 12. Visits to every Lululemon store the ankle monitoring bracelet will allow? Surprised you had to ask.

Comments (128)

Newer Comments
  1. 1
    Posted by Anonymous | October 13, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    lame

  2. 2
    Posted by AIG Quant via LEH | October 13, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    We all lose.

  3. 3
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    Who won? http://dealbreaker.com/2011/04/reader-poll-will-a...

  4. 4
    Posted by Wall St.=Pussyville | October 13, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    No balls whatsoever

  5. 5
    Posted by IgnorantBastards | October 13, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    wtf …

  6. 6
    Posted by Sirens Bess | October 13, 2011 at 11:28 AM

    WHERE ARE THE SIRENS?

  7. 7
    Posted by login | October 13, 2011 at 11:28 AM

    Sounds about right, he'll be a shell when he gets out, had a client who did 2 to 3 for tax evasion and he described the medical care for people 50 plus as almost non existent with an attendant mortality rate.

    Prison is a young mans game.

  8. 8
    Posted by Kegels123 | October 13, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    11 years, well worth it.

    -Olalf Sanderson, Mighty Ducks D2

  9. 9
    Posted by DarkStar | October 13, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    He should fry

  10. 10
    Posted by Jialan Wang | October 13, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    Need I say more?

  11. 11
    Posted by Old Meme | October 13, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    Where are the clients' prison years?

  12. 12
    Posted by Put_Option | October 13, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    “unique constellation of ailments ravaging his body” aka twinkies and yoga pants?

  13. 13
    Posted by AIG Quant via LEH | October 13, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    Was Matt's last incarceration chart correct? We're dying to know!!!

  14. 14
    Posted by Sammy Samosa | October 13, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    11 years = lots of ghee (or KY).

  15. 15
    Posted by Female HFT | October 13, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    Two things we learned today: 1. always trust regression; 2. Matt is a genius.

  16. 16
    Posted by Office Space Fan | October 13, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Hey Raj, watch out for cornhole, bud.

    -Lawrence

  17. 17
    Posted by GoodTamils | October 13, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    "We owned the joint. While the rest of these guys were all crowded, living like animals, we had fresh samosas, vegetable pakoras and our own tandoor. Although I always thought Raj used too many onions……"

  18. 18
    Posted by HAM05 | October 13, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    I love that game!

    -dkneale

  19. 19
    Posted by Raj | October 13, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    Also, pleasee feel free to take into account all the legitimate years and the awards I've won, like the Bernie guy

  20. 20
    Posted by jumbo | October 13, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    Any word on where he's headed? We talking Club Fed or federal "pound me in the ass" prison?

    The guys are gonna love the milkshake Raj brings to the yard

  21. 21
    Posted by guest | October 13, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    lol

  22. 22
    Posted by Nailz6 | October 13, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    Matt's orgasming as we speak.

  23. 23
    Posted by Guest21 | October 13, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    Since when was the likelihood of dying behind bars a defense to jail time?

  24. 24
    Posted by guest | October 13, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    UBS broker?

  25. 25
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    There are the sirens!

    -Guy who thinks this is important on DB

  26. 26
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    Why does he need a kidney? Did Steve Jobs went through all of them before RIPping?

  27. 27
    Posted by guest | October 13, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    your thumbs up was sufficient, luis.

  28. 28
    Posted by NowOnePerson | October 13, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    It's a fine line between self-induced ailments to keep you out of prison and being too fat and weak to protect yourself if convicted… he seems to have found the middle ground.

    The middle ground being: definitely unable to keep the out-door protected, but still with enough ailments that he likely won't make it the full 11 years.

  29. 29
    Posted by guestapo | October 13, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    "Did Steve Jobs went through all of them before RIPping?"

    what?

  30. 30
    Posted by remedy | October 13, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    remedial English required

    - no soup for you!

  31. 31
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    Middlebury College. B.A. English, summa cum laude.
    Editor (and spellchecker) of the local newspaper.

  32. 32
    Posted by Orange | October 13, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    Is there an orange jump-suit that even fits this fat-fuck?

  33. 33
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    and had Tiger sex

  34. 34
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    most likely low security, esp if he needs a new kidney.

  35. 35
    Posted by Josh | October 13, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    What – chickens?

  36. 36
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    my god. learn fucking grammar.

  37. 37
    Posted by Andy Dufresne | October 13, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    The man who cried and was beaten when I first arrived is listed and credited as "Fat Ass" — the other
    inmates' nickname for him.

  38. 38
    Posted by Chiarb | October 13, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    No Club Fed for a 10+ year sentence. Medium security (which in not "medium" in any sense of the word).

    Guy who knows

  39. 39
    Posted by guest | October 13, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    I told you Raj will be made to wear the hideous shirt he wore on the boat.

    The Warden

  40. 40
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    I haven't shagged too many whales in my time, but I assume there's something to be said for having a large physical fat barrier back there.

  41. 41
    Posted by derp | October 13, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    Just think of all the contraband he can fit up there

  42. 42
    Posted by Touch Base Later | October 13, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    Don't pick up the soap. Been there, not fun.

  43. 43
    Posted by Yowza | October 13, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    Not when a bubba with the baby arm finds him…

  44. 44
    Posted by M.D.RushPresbyterian | October 13, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    Stevie switched his pancreas out for latency probs, not kindey.

  45. 45
    Posted by guest | October 13, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    I thought you never made a sound ?

  46. 46
    Posted by don't bother | October 13, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    with a dick in your ass ? ohh you mean priz.

  47. 47
    Posted by Managing & Directing | October 13, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    If you have until the end of November to report, and you know you are going to Butner Fed with Bernie, and you only get a 15% discount for good behavior and you are already 54 then why in the world wouldnt you just skip the country and bounce to Sri Lanka or somewhere else and disappear? Non-violent crime so you lose your "LA privileges"….and would the government actually pursue you?

  48. 48
    Posted by Col. Decker | October 13, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    @ Managing Director:

    A man of that size doesn't just "disappear."

  49. 49
    Posted by guest | October 13, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    wasn't funny the other time you said this either..

  50. 50
    Posted by Anonymous | October 13, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    actually those are LIGHTS…

  51. 51
    Posted by PermaGuestII | October 13, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Turkey.

    [youtube 3vZnuYK2Wfg&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vZnuYK2Wfg&feature=related youtube]

  52. 52
    Posted by Banaraj | October 13, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    Maybe you call this corruption in your country? GOI will make sure he walks.
    — Chennai Call Center

  53. 53
    Posted by D | October 13, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    Ha HA! & Wollensky

  54. 54
    Posted by Presiding Vice | October 13, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    No passport and wearing the bracelet I believe. Not an impediment to simply walking into Mexico, and heading for parts south ya, and I'm CERTAIN he has cash stashed in Lanka at least, but they would clearly freeze all his coin here so no juice for his bitches and progeny etc. on death presuming he has the latter.

    Your broader point about ALWAYS having an exit stategy at any level of finance is of course immutable.

  55. 55
    Posted by im_new_here | October 13, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    heh heh…"butner"

  56. 56
    Posted by Anil | October 13, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    His diabetes seems real and 11 yrs is about right. If he develops life threatening medical problems in prison, everyone will be better served by releasing him and letting him get his own treatment.

  57. 57
    Posted by Hung Lo-Gai | October 13, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    Uh, because Raj is a Tamil, raised and donated a whole lot of money to the Tamil Tigers, and the Tamils lost.

  58. 58
    Posted by Doctor Doctor | October 13, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    Can he eat the cockmeat sandwich without exacerbating his diabetes?

  59. 59
    Posted by Tyrone Biggums | October 13, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    "Hey Raj, spread your cheeks and lift your sack"

    - Bernie Madoff, Inmate #61727-054

  60. 60
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    Guess the Ebola disease constellation wasn't that bad after all.

  61. 61
    Posted by InfiniteGuest | October 13, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    Appeals-court judges generally frown upon that kind of behavior, though.

  62. 62
    Posted by Don Glover | October 13, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    raj is soooo going to be him

  63. 63
    Posted by Don Glover | October 13, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    maybe raj and bernie will run a scheme on the inside?

  64. 64
    Posted by BrotherLehman | October 13, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    So, India then?

  65. 65
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Everyone is so focused on the ass sex. Don't forget about the forced oral.

  66. 66
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    D-Block Capital Partners

  67. 67
    Posted by taxonimist | October 13, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    They lost to an "indian" ethnic subgroup. He's done there, but could fit in alot of brown skinned places reasonably easily.

  68. 68
    Posted by short vol | October 13, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    an appeal in fed court is like a way out of the money call….SELL

  69. 69
    Posted by Mike Milken | October 13, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    Don't sweat it, Raj, an 11-year sentence means about 28 months actual jail time.

  70. 70
    Posted by P.O. | October 13, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    that's been remedied scumbag, you are not sposed to be surfing these type sites.

    CC DOJ

  71. 71
    Posted by Managing & Directing | October 13, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Incorrect, in the Federal system he'll get 15% discount for time served and then a clearly delineated probation period. A former teammate of mine got 6.5 years, will serve 5.5 and then have a stated 5 year probation period thereafter.

  72. 72
    Posted by Kumar | October 13, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    looks like he has eaten one or two already

  73. 73
    Posted by Tuckhead | October 13, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    Fuck you

  74. 74
    Posted by Sad | October 13, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    Bess I am surprised you let this stuff on your site. Why do you report the hurtful way you do. I guess on the internet there is a home for sites that thrive on other people's deficits and misery. Raj has suffered and will suffer more. Yes, Raj did something wrong – but is it something Harvard elite on Wall Street do as regular business? I would guess so. I am not saying he doesn't deserve to be punished, but why is the poster child for insider trading not a WASPy man? Oh, they don't do this? Either that or they know how not to get caught and have more friends where it counts. It's a white man's game. With exceptions (yes there were a few) this whole Raj thing seemed to be an attack on those of us who are not from prep schools and not of American descent. Take a look at the list of Raj gang and all of those involved, see the names. Looks to me like they just couldn't get any of the people who really ruined this country's financial system. This is crooked, this deserves to be punished, but the big names who ruined billions are still left untouched. Takes our eye off the ball though doesn't it?

  75. 75
    Posted by Another Great Day | October 13, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    You must be new here. Dumb trading and even dumber risk management is not a criminal offense (yet). Cheating is.

  76. 76
    Posted by remedy | October 13, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Oh please. The guy's a fucking criminal. If you don't want to be ridiculed then I suggest walking the fucking line.

  77. 77
    Posted by Patrick | October 13, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    Come on Bess! There are a lot more important problems than this Sri Lankan to worry about!__We have to end apartheid for one. And slow down the nuclear arms race, stop terrorism and world hunger.__We have to provide food and shelter for the homeless, and oppose racial discrimination and promote civil rights, while also promoting equal rights for women. __We have to encourage a return to traditional moral values. Most importantly, we have to promote general social concern and less materialism in young people._

  78. 78
    Posted by Pete from the Bush | October 13, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    At some point, Raj won't be able to pay for PR flaks like this one.

    Make sure you get paid upfront before you invade the sanctity of DealBreaker. We're an equal opportunity sarcasm machine. Don't care if your last name is Stein, Berg, Washington or Rajafuckistan.

  79. 79
    Posted by DingALing | October 13, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    If you're going to insult one of the greatest innovators of our time, at least learn to speak fucking English.

  80. 80
    Posted by remedy | October 13, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    Dd someone leave the bloody door open?

  81. 81
    Posted by McDermott | October 13, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    Hear Hear

  82. 82
    Posted by IgnorantBastards | October 13, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    teammate as in working on the same desk or playing in the same badminton team?

  83. 83
    Posted by guestapo | October 13, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    LOL, what? I'm sorry, when did Bess start deciding who gets charged with insider trading (Raj) and who doesn't (WASPs and non-Ivy grads, as you say)? Also, Raj went to Wharton. Facts, get some of 'em.

  84. 84
    Posted by NowOnePerson | October 13, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    Sarcasm?

  85. 85
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    Guaranteed Bess would mock anyone who is fat, employs midgets in practical jokes, is fat, makes female employees model spandex, and is fat no matter their race or upbringing.

    I am sorry that I am not sorry you feel discriminated against.

  86. 86
    Posted by Al Toom | October 13, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    Are you kidding? He should be rendered penniless but instead this bastard will move to the top of the list for a new kidney(assuming he does in fact have diabetes). 11 yrs and $10mm seems right?!?! 10mm is pocket change for him. This is exactly why these douchebags will continue to thrive…because the penalties are a joke!!

  87. 87
    Posted by The Truth | October 13, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    No kidding!

    - Messrs Rigas & Ebbers

  88. 88
    Posted by Tosh | October 13, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Like rippin and tearin rippin and tearin?

  89. 89
    Posted by See above | October 13, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    They both played for the Tamil Tigers

  90. 90
    Posted by patrick bateman | October 13, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    No you jackasses! is a quote from American Psycho!

  91. 91
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 2:42 PM

    Jesus these new fucking people on here.

  92. 92
    Posted by PermaGuestII | October 13, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    Got to figure he'd rather hang out w. Berns in Butner than stroll into the arms of Los Zetas– just sayin'

  93. 93
    Posted by John Winthorp III | October 13, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    Most inside trading scandals involved Jews not us(Boesky,Speigel,Katzman,Milken etc..).

  94. 94
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    Misery? Do you know how much misery that clown caused others? Do you think got to his position by being a saint? Go talk to those people whose backs he climbed to get where he is, and then when they reached out to him for help he just gave them the finger.

    Raising money and doing charity work is nice, but also realize at that level it is more of creating an image for oneself.

  95. 95
    Posted by Cut Me | October 13, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    You don't per-chance know how to damage a harddrive with a pair of pliers do you?

  96. 96
    Posted by Joel | October 13, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    What a shame!!

  97. 97
    Posted by Hungovr Mooseknuckle | October 13, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    Hey you fucking idiot. Type "insider trading" into the search and you'll more than your fat brown walrus. After that, please kill yourself.

  98. 98
    Posted by Joel | October 13, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    [youtube DdZEQhxB1Mc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdZEQhxB1Mc youtube]

  99. 99
    Posted by UBS Nephrologist | October 13, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    He'll prolly lose the other kidney after getting shanked on the inside. Don't think the Bureau of Prisons owns a dialysis machine.

  100. 100
    Posted by Louis Winthorp III | October 13, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    If you're going to use an alias from a classic movie, get it right. Douchebag.

  101. 101
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    i THINK i see what you did there

  102. 102
    Posted by Hungovr Mooseknuckle | October 13, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Patrick Bateman: I'm into, uh, well, murders and executions, mostly.
    Club Patron: Do you like it?
    Patrick Bateman: Well, it depends. Why?
    Club Patron: Well, most guys I know who are in Mergers and Acquisitions really don't like it.

  103. 103
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    who are these people? i know extra page views means more money for bess and more crayon colors for matt but there should be some kind of filter

  104. 104
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 3:40 PM

    anyone else get the facebook invite for the $7.5 million crack party?

  105. 105
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    Raising money for terrorists that go around killing men, women, children, definitely a person we should put on a pedestal.

  106. 106
    Posted by Bubba | October 13, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    I prefer syrup myself…

  107. 107
    Posted by Bottle Wallah | October 13, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    Sundays at Le Souk

  108. 108
    Posted by 2whale2whale | October 13, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    I won!
    I think… I'm not very good with numbers.

  109. 109
    Posted by Louis Winthorpe III | October 13, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    Seriously.

  110. 110
    Posted by PermaGuestII | October 13, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    In Philadelphia, that's worth +50.

  111. 111
    Posted by Huggie Bear | October 13, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    …..and a hug

  112. 112
    Posted by Raj | October 13, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    You first

  113. 113
    Posted by Mousy | October 13, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    what the f*ck are you talking about?

    -everyone

  114. 114
    Posted by NYrebel2003 | October 13, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    Bitch please. There are people that have snatched purses for $10 dollars that got more jail time than this fat thief. And we should have sympathy for him because he is an ill, ivy league thief who should have known better? What about the HS dropout purse snatcher from a broken home that did not have the same opportunity? Sit the eff down and never come back to DB.

  115. 115
    Posted by Red | October 13, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    I wish I could tell you that Raj fought the good fight, and the Sisters let him be. I wish I could tell you that – but prison is no fairy-tale world. He never said who did it, but we all knew. Things went on like that for awhile – prison life consists of routine, and then more routine. Every so often, Raj would show up with fresh bruises.

    Red

  116. 116
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 10:56 PM

    what is this crap?

  117. 117
    Posted by Guest | October 13, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Matt has a sister?

  118. 118
    Posted by Biggie | October 14, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    If you don't know, now you know
    -B. Smalls

  119. 119
    Posted by L Ron Hubbard | October 14, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    exactly and screw the jackasses that voted down the comment…

  120. 120
    Posted by lurker | October 14, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    Deal breaker tracking the markets? Quantity remains high, quality is hard to find.. all the funny guys got sacked?

  121. 121
    Posted by D | October 14, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    New People Suck & Wollensky

  122. 122
    Posted by A guy in NJ | October 14, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    I'm normally a pretty forgivng guy, but this guy… 10M legit isn't enough, 20M legit isn't enough.
    Reminds of the Dave Chappelle skit where they treat the white collar criminal like a crack dealer and vice-versa. Makes me angry, too… I'll sell him my kidney – for 50M. Also, Nice quote, Red. Let's hope he meets The Sisters. ;)

  123. 123
    Posted by A guy in NJ | October 14, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Naa. Too bad, he shoulda thought of that while he was stealing. If I murder someone, but I have gout, adn the vapors, do I also get out of jail free? Pleeeeeease.

  124. 124
    Posted by A guy in NJ | October 14, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    This crap is Shawshank, bonehead.

  125. 125
    Posted by Guest | October 15, 2011 at 2:20 AM

    Victims all posted gains.

  126. 126
    Posted by Guest | October 15, 2011 at 2:37 AM

    Days in hospital are one way to reduce one's sentence.

  127. 127
    Posted by @MDSFinance | December 2, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJMy1Dom4-s

  128. 128
    Posted by @MDSFinance | December 2, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    [youtube CJMy1Dom4-s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJMy1Dom4-s youtube]

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