- Bankman-Fried appeals fraud conviction, citing judicial bias
- His lawyers seek a new trial under a different judge
- The prosecution remains silent on the appeal filing
Crypto drama continues
Sam Bankman-Fried, the former FTX CEO convicted of fraud and money laundering, is seeking a new trial. His legal team has filed an appeal focusing on the conduct of US District Judge Lewis Kaplan during the original proceedings.
Judicial bias alleged
The appeal claims Judge Kaplan’s rulings were “not just erroneous but unbalanced.” Bankman-Fried’s lawyers argue that the judge repeatedly ridiculed their client, criticized his demeanor, and signaled disbelief in his testimony. They also allege that Kaplan mocked the defense counsel and improperly pushed jurors towards a quick verdict.
Fresh start sought
Bankman-Fried’s team is requesting a new trial under a different judge. The convicted crypto entrepreneur is currently serving a 25-year sentence in Brooklyn and faces an $11 billion forfeiture order. The U.S. attorney’s office that prosecuted the case has declined to comment on the appeal.
