"If convicted of wire fraud, the maximum sentence is 20 years in prison and a $250 fine.
The maximum sentence for money laundering is 10 years in prison and a $250 fine."
That $250 fine is probably the deterrent part.
"However, if a financial institution was affected by Bolze's actions, he could be sentenced to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine."
So, if you screw other people, you get a $250 fine, but if it was an institution (bank probably) it is a mill.... Nice to see the equality of justice....
Since he is bankrupt, the fine part is rather irrelevant....