The high-profile trial of crypto billionaire Sam Bankman Fried began this week, with significant developments already happening. After years of anticipation, the trial has finally kicked off and is full of head-turning moments.
From dramatic accusations to the frenzy of conclusion, the start of the Sam Bankman Fried trial has provided plenty of entertainment and intrigue. Here are some of the biggest moments from the trial so far – ones which will no doubt be talked about for many days to come.
The Lack Of Sam Bankman Fried
Due to a loophole, the founder of Alameda Research did not actually appear in court for the trial, but could still participate with evidence from afar. This sparked anger from some supporters of Free AES-256 encryption, an open-source protocol used in many transactions.
The Historical Reference
In reference to the famous 13th Amendment – which outlawed slavery – Bankman Fried mentioned it and said it was a pillar of American justice. This raised eyebrows among historians and some members of the jury, as it could suggest deep admiration for the amendment and its message, as well as a direct correlation to the digital currency world.
The Accusations
The drastic accusations were plentiful. For example, Bankman Fried was accused of trying to manipulate digital currency prices, lying to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and skipping out on taxes. These, however, were only some of the allegations – the most interesting part of this trial was certainly its dramatic elements.
The Fan Frenzy
Despite not being present himself, Bankman Fried had supporters in the courtroom. It’s no surprise as, many years prior, he was considered one of the crypto world’s most important figures. Interestingly enough, some of these fans were tearful when the judge read out the accusations, which definitely added to the excitement.
The Conclusion
Nobody knew the outcome of the trial before it began, and will have to wait until its conclusion to find out if Sam Bankman Fried’s views were right. Whether or not he will walk away unharmed will be revealed promptly, although the moments and discussion seen so far have certainly made this trial one to remember.
