According to CNBC, a US judge has revoked Sam Bankman-Fried’s bail and ordered him to return to prison, ending a months-long battle between the US Department of Justice and the FTX boss over the process. awaiting trial.
Judge Lewis Kaplan denied Bankman-Fried’s request to delay detention pending the consideration of Bankman-Fried’s appeal. founder The FTX will be detained until the criminal trial begins on October 2. In July, Judge Kaplan also warned Bankman-Fried about his conversations with the media.
Sam Bankman-Fried currently lives at his parents’ house in Palo Alto, California (USA) after paying $250 million in bail. While under house arrest, he is restricted from using his phone and any gaming device that allows conversation or voice communication
Advisor to The New York Times and Reporters Committee on Freedom of Newspapers American press sent a letter protesting Bankman-Fried’s detention citing concerns about freedom of speech. Defense attorneys argued that Bankman-Fried’s speaking to journalists did not violate any terms of the bail condition.
However, prosecutors asked the judge to jail Bankman-Fried for alleging that he attempted to tamper with witnesses and provide information to a reporter for The New York Times. According to the petition requesting Bankman-Fried’s detention, in the past few months, the founder of FTX has sent more than 100 emails and 1,000 calls to the media. Not only that, but Bankman-Fried also revealed the private diary of his ex-girlfriend Ellison. Former Director of Alameda Research Cryptocurrency Hedge Fund Caroline Ellison pleaded guilty in December 2022 and agreed to cooperate with the government to reduce the punishment, she is considered a key witness for the prosecution of the former FTX CEO. The prosecution emphasized that Bankman-Fried’s behavior was indirectly threatening witnesses through the press and discrediting Ellison.
Defense attorneys acknowledged that Bankman-Fried spoke to the press to protect his reputation, but they fear the jailing of the former CEO will limit access to records and the internet, hindering standardization. subject to trial
Judge Kaplan said Bankman-Fried could be sent to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn (USA) and would review arrangements that would allow him to spend time at the attorney’s office to continue preparing his defense.