Accused fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried appeared poised to shut down Tuesday at the start of a trial on allegations that he stole billions in user funds from his FTX cryptocurrency exchange to cover losses at his hedge fund.
The former billionaire – known for years for his unkempt curly locks and de-facto uniform of T-shirt and cargo shorts – sported a neat new hairdo and a gray suit and pinstripe tie as jury selection in his fraud trial began. in Manhattan federal court.
At one point in the proceedings, Bankman-Fried, 31, stood and smiled at prospective jurors, as Judge Lewis Kaplan asked if any of them knew the former crypto gold boy, who is currently being held in a Brooklyn jail after he posted bail. the case was dismissed.
Prosecutors with US Attorney Damian Williams’ office also revealed that the feds have not had any meaningful discussions with Bankman-Fried about a possible plea deal — even though the alleged mogul faces up to 110 years in prison if convicted of all charges he faces.
Bankman-Fried had an unusual haircut when she made her first impression on the jury at her fraud trial.REUTERS
Prosecutors also read aloud a list of potential witnesses at the trial – which is expected to last six weeks – including Bankman-Fried’s father and brother and Anthony Scaramucci, former President Donald Trump’s short-lived spokesman who is also a financier who funded Skybridge Capital. once invested in FTX.
The judge concluded the day with a pool of 50 prospective jurors – of which 12 jurors and six alternates would be selected for the trial.
The progress came despite some panelists who may have expressed concerns about fairly judging the fallen crypto giant based on negative dealings with digital currencies.
The accused fraudster stood and turned around during the proceedings so potential jurors could see him.REUTERS
One prospective juror, who said he could be impartial, told the court he worked for a private equity firm, Insight Partners, which invested in hedge fund SBF, Alameda — prompting Kaplan to ask whether his firm made or lost money on the deal.
“Money is missing,” answered the woman.
Another man on the jury said he had lost a lot of money after investing in crypto, and that his twin had lost so much that “it almost ruined him.”
Bankman-Fried faces up to 110 years in prison if convicted on all the fraud and conspiracy charges he faces.REUTERS
It was unclear Tuesday whether the two jurors were dismissed from the pool.
Jury selection is expected to be completed in the case Wednesday morning, with opening statements to follow.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
