• Judge Lewis Kaplan stated that there is probable cause to believe that Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) has engaged in attempts to commit a federal felony while out on bail.
• Prosecutors requested that Judge Kaplan significantly restrict Bankman-Fried’s access to computers and other devices, arguing he had found loopholes such as VPNs allowing him to circumvent his bail conditions.
• SBF’s attorney, Mark Cohen, acknowledged the need for closer supervision but asked for leniency nonetheless, according to CNN.
Judge Suggests Possibility of Bail Reversal
Judge Lewis Kaplan recently suggested the possibility of reversing SBF’s bail following discussions regarding additional bail conditions due to contact with current and former FTX personnel.
Probable Cause for Witness Tampering
The judge indicated that there was probable cause to believe that SBF had attempted witness tampering or at least an attempt thereof. This arose due to the long-winded rant on substack outlining SBF’s view of the collapse of FTX, as well as attempts made by him to contact the current CEO of the failed exchange and former employees in order to „help sort things out“.
Defense Asks For Leniency
In response, SBF’s attorney acknowledged the need for closer supervision but ask for leniency nonetheless. He argued that SBF’s input into resolving cryptocurrency issues could be valuable if monitored closely enough.
Judge Hints At Bail Reversal
Judge Kaplan seemed open to this suggestion and hinted at a potential reversal of bail conditions should adequate monitoring be put in place.