Just In: DOJ Digs for Answers in Sam Bankman-Fried’s Defense

U.S. Department of Justice questions Sam Bankman-Fried's defense strategy on whether it is genuine or just a courtroom tactic.
sam bankman-fried sentence sbf DOJ

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is pressing Sam Bankman-Fried, the embattled founder of now-bankrupt crypto exchange FTX, to offer more transparent details regarding his planned advice-of-counsel defense. The former FTX magnate faces grave charges, with potential imprisonment surpassing a century if found guilty of the alleged misuse of billions in customer assets.

However, in a series of legal back-and-forths, Bankman-Fried’s counsel has continually stated that he received legal guidance, making him believe he acted in full faith. Hence, the heart of the matter lies in whether Bankman-Fried genuinely sought legal advice and acted accordingly or if it was merely a defense ploy.

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Challenges in Pre-Trial Preparations

Bankman-Fried’s current legal situation could be better with his lawyer, Mark Cohen, being vocal about the difficulties they’ve encountered. Specifically, the limited internet access provided to Bankman-Fried has become a significant concern. Cohen stated, 

“Internet access, offered just two days a week, is woefully inadequate.” 

Consequently, preparing a robust defense strategy under such constraints becomes challenging. Moreover, the proximity to the trial date and the government’s late reception of discovery materials add to their woes.

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Bankman-Fried’s Jail Conditions 

Besides the legal quagmire, Bankman-Fried’s condition in jail has also been highlighted. Reports suggest he’s subsisting on a minimal bread, peanut butter, and water diet. However, in a small win for the defense, Judge Kaplan allowed daily in-person meetings between the defendant and his attorneys.

As the trial date draws nearer, all eyes will be on how this high-stakes legal drama unfolds. The DOJ’s recent move to bar all of Bankman-Fried’s proposed expert witnesses from the October trial only intensifies the situation. Significantly, the outcome could set a precedent in the crypto world, underscoring the fine line between innovative finance and regulatory boundaries.

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Kelvin Munene Murithi
Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience, offering in-depth market analysis and expert commentary . With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University, Kelvin is known for his meticulous research and strong writing skills, particularly in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured across top industry publications such as Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Cryptotimes, Coinedition, TheCoinrepublic, Cryptotale, and Analytics Insight among others, where he consistently provides timely updates and insightful content. Kelvin’s focus lies in uncovering emerging trends in the crypto space, delivering factual and data-driven analyses that help readers make informed decisions. His expertise extends across market cycles, technological innovations, and regulatory shifts that shape the crypto landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelvin has a passion for chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.
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