- US prosecutors allege Sam Bankman-Fried tried to influence FTX US general counsel Ryne Miller.
- The former FTX CEO allegedly contacted Miller via encrypted instant messaging platform Signal and email.
- Prosecutors have banned SBF from using Signal and other apps, and have asked them not to contact former FTX and Alameda employees.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has sought a ban on Sam Bankman-Fried over allegations that the former FTX CEO contacted witnesses in an attempt to influence them.
so court documentIn response to a federal prosecutor’s filing on Friday, the DOJ has applied to amend the bail conditions for Bankman-Fried to keep him out of contact with potential witnesses.
Specifically, the prosecution asked U.S. District Judge Lweis Kaplan to impose conditions restricting Bankman-Fried’s communications.
SBF tried to ‘influence’ witness testimony, DOJ says
DOJ alleges Bankman-Fried attempted to influence FTX US general counsel Ryne Miller through communications sent on January 15, 2023.
Miller was potentially designated Witness-1, and according to the government, the SBF sent Miller emails and contacted him via Signal, alleging that they attempted to influence eyewitness testimony. I sent you a suggestive message.
Here are some of the messages sent to witnesses:I’d love to see if there’s a way to reconnect and have a constructive relationship, use each other as a resource if possible, or at least vette things with each other.”
In documents filed by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damien Williams, the prosecution alleges:
“Defendant’s request to “scrutinize things with each other” suggests an effort to influence Witness 1’s potential testimony, and similarly appeals to a “constructive relationship” suggest that Witness 1 This is of particular concern given that the defendant is aware that Witness-1 has information he tends to indoctrinate with the defendant.,”
Prosecutors also allege Bankman-Fried contacted other FTX employees who could be witnesses in the trial.
According to the filing, SBF should be prohibited from contacting current or former employees of FTX and Alameda, except by attorney. And while he can communicate with close relatives, federal prosecutors want the former FTX executive banned from using encrypted messaging apps, including his Signal.
Defendants are alleged to be able to evade pretrial surveillance using Signal or similar encrypted messaging apps. The DOJ added that being able to circumvent bail restrictions could also allow defendants to successfully obstruct justice.
Bankman-Fried faces multiple charges related to the collapse of the FTX crypto exchange. He is on $250 million bail awaiting trial.
