Former FTX CEO’s Lawyers Seek Juror Opinions on Cryptocurrency, Body Language, and Effective Altruism
Lawyers representing Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX, have submitted proposed questions to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York regarding potential jurors for his upcoming criminal trial. The trial, scheduled for early October and expected to last about six weeks, will determine Bankman-Fried’s fate. Prior to his arrest, Bankman-Fried was known for supporting effective altruism, a social movement focused on using resources to help others.
The defense team’s questions include inquiring about negative opinions on amassing wealth to support causes and improve the world. Bankman-Fried is currently in jail after being accused of witness tampering, with a request for release before the trial being denied by Judge Lewis Kaplan.
Body Language
The defense lawyers also want to gauge potential jurors’ opinions on cryptocurrency. They ask if jurors have bought or sold crypto and if they have any negative bias against the industry. Additionally, the defense raises questions about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its potential impact on Bankman-Fried’s body language, eye contact, and physical behavior.
Prosecutors have also submitted their proposed questions for potential jurors. These questions cover topics such as whether jurors have invested in cryptocurrency and their opinions on government regulation in relation to crypto.
Hot Take: Former FTX CEO Faces Lengthy Prison Sentence
The former FTX CEO faces severe consequences if convicted, potentially serving over 100 years in prison due to multiple charges including fraud. Prosecutors allege that Bankman-Fried and other FTX executives misused billions of customer assets for their own failed investments, leading FTX to file for bankruptcy in late 2020.