Sam Bankman-Fried, the ex-CEO of bankrupt crypto exchange FTX, had his bail revoked by US District Court Judge Lewis Kaplan on Friday. The decision was prompted by allegations that Bankman-Fried leaked the diary of Caroline Ellison, former CEO of FTX’s investment-arm Alameda Research, to the New York Times. Kaplan made the announcement during a federal court session in Manhattan.
Allegations and Charges Against Sam Bankman-Fried
Bankman-Fried is facing charges. The charges include defrauding FTX investors. The charges come from the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Southern District of New York’s attorney’s office. Earlier this year, Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty to the US criminal charges.
Misuse of Google Drive and Gag Order
During a July 26 hearing, it was revealed that Bankman-Fried initially requested access to Google Drive, citing it was for “discovery” purposes. However, he used it to provide Ms. Ellison’s documents to the New York Times. As a result, Kaplan imposed a gag order on Bankman-Fried, barring him from speaking publicly about his case after a New York Times article on Ellison’s diary was published.
Change in Bail Conditions
Formerly under house arrest with a $250 million bond. Bankman-Fried had been residing at his parents’ home in Palo Alto, Calif. since his arrest in December 2022. However, his bail has now been revoked due to alleged witness intimidation. Judge Kaplan deemed a gag order insufficient, given Bankman-Fried’s conduct.
Sam Bankman-Fried Possible Detention and Trial Proceedings
During the hearing, Judge Kaplan hinted that Bankman-Fried could be held at The Metropolitan Detention Center. This facility isn’t regarded as top-tier. However, Bankman-Fried might get a “dedicated laptop” most of the day at the Brooklyn jail. In late December, Caroline Ellison and ex-FTX co-founder Gary Wang admitted guilt for several charges. They made plea deals to cooperate with US authorities for lesser sentences.
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