Winning the Case Was "Almost Impossible"
Date: 2023-12-12 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: BUSINESS
SBF's Legal Battle: The Uphill Struggle
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, David Mills, the head of the legal team representing Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, revealed the challenges they faced in the ongoing legal battle over allegations of fraud. Mills conceded that winning the case seemed "almost impossible" due to the weight of accusations and the credibility of key witnesses.
Multiple Accusers, Tough Odds
Mills highlighted the formidable odds stacked against SBF in the legal proceedings. With three prominent co-founders accusing him of wrongdoing, the situation became increasingly complex. Even if all of them were lying, prevailing in such a scenario was exceedingly challenging, the attorney explained.
SBF's Unconventional Testimony
During the trial, Mills noted that SBF deviated from the expected script while testifying before the jury. However, the attorney stated that SBF had no other choice after the incriminating statements made by former colleagues. Mills acknowledged that this was a difficult decision, but one that SBF had to make in his defense.
A Damning Deposition
Mills went on to describe SBF as the "worst person he had ever seen on cross-examination." Throughout the proceedings, the former FTX CEO unsuccessfully attempted to refute several damaging claims, ultimately convincing the jury of his culpability, as per the lawyer's clarification.
A Personal Connection
The attorney also disclosed that he agreed to defend Bankman-Fried at the request of his parents, possibly due to a personal connection between Mills and Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried. However, Mills concluded the interview by stating that he would not take on cases involving close acquaintances in the future, emphasizing the emotional toll such cases can take.
SBF's Legal Troubles Continue
On November 2nd, SBF was found guilty on seven counts, including money laundering, fraud, and conspiracy, potentially leading to a maximum prison sentence of 115 years. The sentencing is scheduled for March 28th, and it is expected that his legal team will file an appeal.
SBF is currently detained in Brooklyn's prison in New York, where he has reportedly shared a cell with former Honduran president Juan Hernandez and offered advice to prison authorities on cryptocurrency investments.
In December, blogger Tiffany Fong interviewed former mafioso Gina Borrello, who was incarcerated alongside Bankman-Fried. Borrello revealed that SBF was initially an easy target due to his timid nature and "the body of an 80-year-old man."
