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
Minnesota police say vehicle believed to be pursued by federal agents crashed downtown, protests ensue

Federal Pursuit Ends in Downtown Minnesota Crash, Sparks Protests

A vehicle involved in a reported chase by federal agents ended up…
Federal authorities announce an end to the immigration crackdown in Minnesota

Federal Government Halts Immigration Crackdown in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS — The intensive immigration enforcement in Minnesota, which sparked widespread detentions,…
Alex Murdaugh attorney argues state Supreme Court should overturn guilty verdict

Alex Murdaugh’s Legal Team Pushes for Overturn of Verdict in State Supreme Court Appeal

In a pivotal courtroom development on Wednesday, attorney Dick Harpootlian urged the…
Aurora Police Department responds after video shows officers, students clashing at anti-ICE protest at East Aurora High School

Intense Clash at East Aurora High: Police and Students Face Off in Heated Anti-ICE Protest

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) — On Wednesday evening, the Aurora Police Department addressed…
Chinese criminal gang allegedly recruited Navy members for sham marriages and base access

Unveiling the Truth: How Retail Records and Clothing Are Key to Solving the Nancy Guthrie Mystery

The FBI has unveiled fresh surveillance images and footage, potentially crucial in…
House GOP pushes strict proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters ahead of midterm elections

House GOP Advocates for Stringent Voter ID Laws to Secure Elections Ahead of Midterms

WASHINGTON — In a swift move on Wednesday, House Republicans passed a…
El Paso Air Closure Tied to Mexican Drug Cartel Drones Breaching US Airspace—War Dept Took Invaders Down

Drug Cartel Drones Breach El Paso Airspace: How the U.S. Military Responded

On Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily grounded all flights to…
Ex-FBI official flags possible scam as third alleged Nancy Guthrie letter emerges

Potential Scam Alert: Ex-FBI Official Uncovers Third Alleged Letter in Nancy Guthrie Case

Chris Swecker, a former assistant director of the FBI, expressed his doubts…
Coast Guard veteran, wife and two children found dead inside Florida home

Tragic Discovery: Family of Four, Including Coast Guard Veteran, Found Deceased in Florida Residence

An ex-Coast Guard member, along with his spouse and two children, were…
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School mass shooting suspect Jesse Van Rootselaar; 9 killed, including 2 at British Columbia, Canada home

Tragic Tumbler Ridge Incident: Suspect Identified in B.C. Shooting That Claims 9 Lives, Including Two at Local Residence

In a tragic development from British Columbia, authorities have identified the perpetrator…
Investigation underway after Oceanway foot chase ends in fatal officer-involved shooting

Authorities Launch Investigation Following Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting Concluding Oceanway Pursuit

A police-involved shooting in Jacksonville has left residents unsettled as authorities investigate…
Trans lover of Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin spotted after going into hiding, moving out of state

Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Assassin’s Trans Partner Emerges from Hiding and Relocates Out of State

According to recent reports, Lance Twiggs, known as the partner of Tyler…