Share this @internewscast.com

The jury has reached a verdict in the trial of former crypto billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried Thursday.

The verdict was reached at around 4:40 p.m., around four hours after the jury began deliberations, according to CNBC.

The co-founder of the digital currency exchange FTX was charged with seven counts of wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering that defrauded customers of his digital currency exchange, FTX, and lenders to its affiliated hedge fund, Alameda Research.

FTX and Alameda quickly collapsed in November 2022 after some of their financial liabilities were exposed. The fact that Alameda had taken billions of dollars from FTX’s customers, and that much of Alameda’s balance sheet was comprised of digital currency assets it had created, was central to the case against Bankman-Fried.

Unnerved by disclosures about the firm’s financial position, many of FTX’s customers tried to get their money back. That set off the equivalent of a bank run. The value of Alameda’s investments crashed, and FTX couldn’t return much of that money because it had been given to Alameda. Some went to the fund’s lenders, and billions were spent on sponsorships, commercials, and loans to top executives. That, too, was a major part of the case against Bankman-Fried.

Much of FTX and Alameda’s leadership were also charged after the firms went under. Former Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison, FTX co-founder Gary Wang, and FTX technology chief Nishad Singh all pleaded guilty to the charges against them. They agreed to cooperate with the prosecution and testify against Bankman-Fried in exchange for lighter sentences.

Bankman-Fried’s lawyers contended that he did not intend to defraud anyone and that the government was looking for someone to blame after the failures of FTX and Alameda.

Forbes had once estimated that Bankman-Fried’s stakes in Alameda and FTX were worth $26 billion. He was 29 at the time. But after the bankruptcies, that was gone. Criminal charges followed weeks later.

He also faces another trial on charges of bribing foreign officials and other counts. That trial is scheduled to begin in March, and Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Man who sent 'So I raped you' message sentenced to 2 to 4 years for 2013 campus assault

Man Sentenced to 2-4 Years in Prison for 2013 Campus Assault Following Disturbing Message

In a case that underscores the challenges faced by victims of campus…
The Government Shutdown Brings an Opportunity to Reimagine FEMA, but Rogue Employees Seek Its Demise

Government Shutdown Sparks Debate: Reimagining FEMA Amidst Internal Sabotage Threats

On the eve of nationwide “No Kings” protests, a group of discontented…
Hong Kong cargo plane skids off runway, killing two

Tragic Hong Kong Runway Accident: Cargo Plane Skid Claims Two Lives

In a tragic turn of events at Hong Kong International Airport, two…
New details revealed after Marine Corps live-fire round hits patrol car near Camp Pendleton

Investigation Launched as Marine Corps Live-Fire Incident Strikes Patrol Car Near Camp Pendleton

In a newly disclosed report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), fresh…
The time is now to unleash Jaxson Dart on your fantasy football league

Now is the Moment to Introduce Jaxson Dart to Your Fantasy Football Lineup

The Denver Broncos’ thrilling comeback against the New York Giants on Sunday…
Former MLB player Jesús Montero dies two weeks after motorcycle crash

Tragic Loss: Former MLB Star Jesús Montero Passes Away After Motorcycle Tragedy

CARACAS (AP) — Jesús Montero, a Venezuelan native who once graced the…
Shrapnel hit CHP vehicle during Marine Corps' Camp Pendleton live fire event with VP JD Vance in attendance, department says

CHP Vehicle Struck by Shrapnel During VP JD Vance’s Visit to Camp Pendleton Live Fire Exercise

In a dramatic turn of events at Camp Pendleton on Saturday, the…
Georgia man arrested for allegedly shooting at North Carolina home after tearing down Trump banner

Georgia Resident Arrested for Alleged Gunfire at North Carolina Home Following Trump Banner Removal

Authorities have apprehended a Georgia man accused of tearing down a Trump…
US man arrested in Scotland and convicted of Utah rape gets at least 5 years in prison

Utah Rape Convict, Caught in Scotland, Receives Minimum 5-Year Sentence

In Salt Lake City, a Utah judge delivered a sentence on Monday…
University fires Turning Point USA table flipper from teaching assistant role after campus outburst

University Dismisses Teaching Assistant Following Viral Turning Point USA Confrontation

An Illinois State University teaching assistant has been dismissed following an incident…
Source of 'UFO' panic, drone mystery claims responsibility for frenzy: report

Mystery Solved: Drone Operator Admits Responsibility for Recent UFO Panic

A private aerial contractor has stepped forward to claim responsibility for the…
Federal Court Upholds School Ban on "Let's Go Brandon" Shirts

Federal Court Ruling Supports School’s Ban on Controversial ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ Apparel

A federal appellate court has upheld a ban on “Let’s Go Brandon”…