**FTX Co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s Request for Documents Denied in Fraud Case**
FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s bid to obtain documents from his former law firm, Fenwick & West LLP, has been denied by the federal judge overseeing his fraud case. This ruling presents a setback for Bankman-Fried’s defense strategy as he seeks to prove his innocence by demonstrating that he relied on the advice of the firm for his actions and did not act with criminal intent.
**Judge Denies Request for Documents**
US District Judge Lewis Kaplan denied Bankman-Fried’s request for the documents, stating that Fenwick and FTX debtors are not part of the prosecution team. He further added that issuing a subpoena would essentially be an overbroad “fishing expedition.” Bankman-Fried’s spokesperson declined to comment on the ruling.
**Bankman-Fried’s Fraud Case**
Bankman-Fried, who is 31 years old, is facing accusations of orchestrating and concealing a multi-year fraud scheme. The allegations suggest he utilized billions of dollars from FTX customer funds for high-risk investments, personal expenses, and political donations. Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty to the 13-count indictment and is scheduled for trial in October.
**Defense’s Argument**
Bankman-Fried’s defense team has been relying on the argument that he depended on the advice of his lawyers. This strategy is often employed by criminal defendants to counter the prosecution’s claims of intentional lawbreaking.
**Judge’s Ruling**
Judge Kaplan stated in his order that Bankman-Fried’s proposed subpoena for the documents did not meet the legal requirements of specificity, relevance, and admissibility.
**Key Elements in Question**
Bankman-Fried’s lawyers assert that the requested documents from Fenwick would address crucial aspects of the charges against their client. These topics include the use of encrypted messaging apps, multimillion-dollar loans to FTX executives, and the exchange’s compliance with US banking regulations.
**Case Details**
The case against Bankman-Fried is titled US v. Bankman-Fried and is assigned docket number 22-cr-673 in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York (Manhattan).
— *With assistance by Ava Benny-Morrison*
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings