Receive free Sam Bankman-Fried updates
we will send you myFT Daily Digest Email summary of latest news Sam Bankman-Freed There is news every morning.
As New York begins searching for the 12 jurors who will decide the fate of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried on Tuesday, dozens of candidates were interviewed about their stance on cryptocurrencies and their desire to remain fair and impartial in the blockbuster criminal case. Inquiries about capabilities.
The process marks the start of what is expected to be a six-week trial in which the 31-year-old faces fraud and money laundering charges related to the collapse of the multi-billion dollar exchange last year. If convicted, Bankman-Fried could spend the rest of his life in prison.
A visibly emaciated Bankman Fried was transported from the notorious Brooklyn Detention Center to attend the proceedings. He claims he was not provided regular access to vegan food or necessary medications.
His trademark unruly hair was cut back and a dark suit hung from his shoulders.
Bankman-Fried said only one thing before jury selection began, saying “yes” when asked by the judge if he understood he could choose to testify in his own defense at any time, even if his attorney advised otherwise. .
Before jury selection in Manhattan federal court, Bankman-Fried’s attorneys asked a number of advisory questions that seemed designed to weed out those who may have lost money (or had close friends or relatives lose money) from trading cryptocurrencies. of people, as well as those who have suffered losses due to cryptocurrency trading. Negative views on FTX. They also asked the judge to question potential jurors about numerous news reports about the case.
Prosecutors objected to Bankman-Fried’s attorney raising his ADHD diagnosis. His lawyer said the situation “may affect his physical behaviour, body language or eye contact, for example”.
Judge Lewis Kaplan, who is overseeing the trial, narrowed the number of questions, but Brendan Quigley said it “could take some time” for the jury to be assembled. Quigley served as a federal prosecutor in several cases in the courthouse where Bankman-Fried was involved. He was heard before becoming a white-collar defense attorney at Baker Botts.
The jury selection process in the 2021 trial against Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes took three days after some candidates watched a video about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. After the documentary, he claimed that he could not remain impartial and was fired. Fraudulent blood testing companies may have high hopes for success.
Both sides in the Bankman-Fried case had a number of so-called peremptory strikes that they could use to disqualify jurors. A total of 18 jurors will be selected – 12 full jurors and six alternates.
“They’re going to get there eventually,” Quigley said, adding, “You’re going to see regular New Yorkers… who don’t have any cryptocurrency investments, they may have heard about it on the news, but Didn’t pay close attention.”
The start of jury selection coincides with the release of a long-awaited book about Bankman-Fried by Michael Lewis, author of books on Wall Street and finance, including Liar’s Poker, lightning boy and big short. In the book, Lewis describes Bankman-Fried as a genius whose ambition to change the world went tragically wrong.
Lewis told CBS News his intention for the book was to be a “letter to the jury” that could draw the ire of the prosecution team.
“I mean, there’s going to be a trial where the lawyers are going to tell two stories,” Lewis told reporters. 60 minutes Sunday’s show. “So – there’s a battle of stories going on in the courtroom. I don’t think any of these stories are as good as my story.”
A discussion in the courtroom before jury selection began revealed the judge intended to ask prospective jurors if they had seen Lewis’ comments.
Svlook
