• Sam Bankman-Fried is denying witness-tampering allegations from federal prosecutors.
• Federal prosecutors are accusing Bankman-Fried of giving a New York Times reporter writings of his former romantic partner and attempting to tamper with an unnamed witness’s testimony.
• Bankman-Fried’s attorneys claim that their client did not have any improper or corrupt intent and argue that he should not be detained.
Sam Bankman-Fried Denies Witness Tampering Allegations
Indicted former FTX head Sam Bankman-Fried is denying witness tampering allegations levied against him by federal prosecutors. According to a new court filing, Bankman-Fried’s attorneys say the government is mischaracterizing their client’s intentions for giving a New York Times reporter writings of his former romantic partner Caroline Ellison, who is an expected witness in the case against him.
Prosecutors Request Bail Revocation
Last week, federal prosecutors asked a judge to revoke Bankman-Fried’s bail, accusing him of witness tampering and impeding their investigation. They argue that no set of pretrial release conditions can adequately protect the public or ensure the defendant’s future compliance with court orders.
Bankman-Fried Claims He Acted In Good Faith
In response, Bankman-Fried’s attorneys contend that an unnamed witness initiated contact with their client, and that he only responded to them in an attempt to help out with FTX’s bankruptcy proceedings. Furthermore, they maintain that he used a virtual private network (VPN) solely for watching football and had no malicious intent when contacting the New York Times reporter. His lawyers conclude by arguing that there is no evidence suggesting otherwise, thus indicating he acted in good faith without any improper or corrupt intent.
Government Cites Fraudulent Activity
The government maintains their stance on revoking his bail due to fraudulent activity committed during his time at FTX as well as examples of violating court orders while on bail release such as using VPN services for communication purposes other than those authorized by the court order which could impede their investigation into his alleged crimes related to fraud and money laundering activities conducted while managing FTX operations.
Conclusion
At this time it remains unclear whether or not Bankman-Fried will be granted leniency from detention but it appears both sides are trying hard either way depending on what type of evidence each side has presented thus far in favor of one another’s respective claims against one another regarding this matter.