Sam Bankman-Fried Granted Limited Laptop Access During Detention Amidst Preparations for October Trial

Sam Bankman-Fried Granted Limited Laptop Access During Detention Amidst Preparations for October Trial

Crypto News – Sam Bankman-Fried, the former founder of the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX, is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center and is preparing for a trial scheduled for early October. He faces charges including wire fraud and conspiracy to commit securities and commodities fraud.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has reported that Bankman-Fried has been granted access to a laptop to review discovery materials related to his criminal case. This access is crucial because the defendant possesses essential knowledge about the case.

According to the prosecutors, since August 31, 2023, Bankman-Fried has had access to an air-gapped laptop located in the legal visiting room. He can use this laptop from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

The DOJ also stated that there have been no reported issues with the laptop’s functionality, including its USB ports and software applications. Additionally, the Metropolitan Detention Center has allowed Bankman-Fried to use a second air-gapped laptop for added convenience.

The prosecutors conducted internet speed tests, which revealed that the laptop’s download transfer rate was 34 Mbps during the morning and early afternoon and 7.5 Mbps in the late afternoon, which they deem sufficient for most online review activities. Furthermore, the laptop has been equipped with a new 9-cell battery, providing approximately 8 hours of battery life.

In response, Bankman-Fried’s legal team, represented by Cohen and Gresser LLP, argued that the current setup does not allow their client to meaningfully prepare his defense. They highlighted an incident on September 1, where MDC staff instructed Bankman-Fried to leave the visitation area early, resulting in a loss of about 4.5 hours of work time.

The defense claimed that losing 4 hours per day (20 hours per week) is unacceptable and does not align with the government’s promises. They also mentioned that the communication process with their client is slow and cumbersome and that their visits take away valuable time from discovery review.

As a result, the defense reiterated their request for Bankman-Fried’s temporary release, arguing that the government’s plan is not practical in practice.