As the legal web surrounding Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the founder of the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX, continues to tighten, U.S. prosecutors have requested a different trial to address new charges against him.
These fresh charges, which include foreign bribery, bank fraud, and conspiracy, were added following his extradition from the Bahamas in December 2022 after FTX’s fall. Sam Bankman-Fried, a former billionaire who once held the reins of one of the most prominent crypto exchanges, faces a barrage of serious accusations.
Initially, he was indicted on eight counts, including allegations of stealing billions from FTX customers and misleading investors and lenders. However, after his extradition, the charge sheet expanded to encompass 13 counts.
Foreign Bribery And Bank Fraud Charges Added
Following his return to the U.S., prosecutors introduced five new charges against Bankman-Fried. Now, the 31-year-old entrepreneur, who has consistently pleaded not guilty to all charges, has requested the presiding U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan to dismiss these new accusations or, if necessary, conduct a separate trial for them slated for October 2nd.
Meanwhile, in a twist, a court in the Bahamas, where FTX had its base of operations, issued an interim prohibition on Tuesday. This injunction temporarily prevents the Bahamian government from granting the U.S. permission to proceed with the new charges against Bankman-Fried.
Awaiting The Bahamas’ Consent On The New Charges
Go to Source to See Full Article
Author: Samuel Edyme