In an astonishing twist, federal prosecutors are seeking to jail FTX’s founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, ahead of his October fraud trial. These fresh allegations come hot on the heels of prosecutors dropping claims of violating campaign finance regulations against the crypto maven.
A Turn for the Worse: Prosecutors Allege Intimidation Tactics
Prosecutors allege that Bankman-Fried is resorting to intimidation tactics in a bid to influence witness testimonies. The controversy arose after Bankman-Fried shared personal Google documents belonging to his ex-partner, Caroline Ellison, with a New York Times reporter, according to an article published on July 20th. Prosecutors argue that this action amounts to witness tampering.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) further contends that the FTX founder’s move aims to harass Ellison and modify her testimony. The tactic could also deter other witnesses by hinting at the potential exposure of their private affairs.
In Defense of SBF
However, Bankman-Fried’s lawyer, Mark Cohen, counters that his client was merely exercising his right to defend himself publicly. He refutes the DOJ’s assertion that his client’s activities overstepped the line of fair comments into a calculated attempt to influence witnesses and undermine a fair trial.
Bankman-Fried: From Trading Floor to House Arrest
Following his extradition from the Bahamas in December 2022, Bankman-Fried has been largely confined to house arrest at his parents’ home in Palo Alto, California, secured by a $250 million bond.
The charges against Bankman-Fried are no small matter. Authorities have pegged them as among the most significant financial crimes in U.S. history. As reported by CNN, Bankman-Fried allegedly masterminded a vast conspiracy, diverting deposits from his crypto exchange, FTX, to fund risky bets at his hedge fund, make payments to American politicians, and support a luxury lifestyle for himself and his employees in the Bahamas.
