Sam Bankman-Fried’s legal team has filed an appeal regarding the sentence in the case of the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, highlighting serious violations during the trial. The attorneys claim that the court hearing took place under pressure from the public, the media, and Judge Lewis Kaplan, which they believe influenced the outcome of the case.
This is reported by Business • Media
Allegations of Court Neutrality Violation
The defense insists that Judge Kaplan allegedly intervened repeatedly in the proceedings, displayed bias, and facilitated a swift verdict. The appeal materials state that the judge even “encouraged” the jurors to reach a quick decision by offering them dinner and transportation to avoid delaying the verdict. The attorneys also argue that the judge allowed himself to mock the defendant’s testimony and openly expressed distrust of his words.
Key Defense Arguments and Bankman-Fried’s Position
The lawyers emphasize that Bankman-Fried did not intend to deceive FTX clients but was convinced that the exchange possessed the necessary assets to fully compensate for the losses. However, according to the defense, Judge Kaplan unlawfully prohibited Bankman-Fried from disclosing this position to the jurors, depriving him of an important argument in his defense.
The appeal materials indicate that Kaplan even “encouraged” the jurors to work quickly by offering them dinner and transportation so they would not delay the verdict.
Meanwhile, the prosecution accused Bankman-Fried of deliberately stealing billions of dollars from clients, which were directed to Alameda Research and used for investments, donations, and real estate purchases. In November 2023, the jurors found the entrepreneur guilty on seven counts, including fraud and conspiracy. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison and ordered to pay $11 billion.
The appeal is being led by attorney Alexandra Shapiro, known for overturning convictions in fraud cases. She states that Judge Kaplan did not allow Bankman-Fried to explain in detail how his actions aligned with FTX’s lawyers.
Among the key prosecution witnesses were Gary Wang, Nishad Singh, and Caroline Ellison, who pleaded guilty and testified against the former FTX executive. Ellison, in particular, spoke about creating “alternative balances” to hide debts and withdraw client funds.
Currently, Sam Bankman-Fried is in a California prison and is not personally attending the hearings. His team insists on a new trial presided over by a different judge.
In February 2025, SBF announced his intention to seek a pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump, calling his case an example of “prosecutorial overreach” during the administration of Joseph Biden.
Previously, Bankman-Fried had released materials regarding the work of the FTX bankruptcy team.