On October 3, the trial of former CEO of FTX, Sam “SBF” Bankman-Fried, commenced, drawing significant attention and activity in a Manhattan courtroom that was filled to capacity.
Bankman-Fried, who appeared noticeably slimmer and without his distinctive curly hair, was present for the trial’s opening day. He was seen in a navy suit, accompanied by a team of five defense attorneys.
Observers, including journalists and crypto influencers, congregated in a room designed for media overflow, drawing parallels between the trial and a “crypto prom”. The trial’s first day saw journalists likening the experience to “the first day of school”.
Throughout the proceedings, Bankman-Fried, who had been held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center for approximately seven weeks, interacted primarily with his legal team, utilized his laptop, and occasionally responded to the judge.
Judge Lewis B. Kaplan initiated the trial by addressing potential jurors, urging them not to carry out independent research or read press coverage about the trial. He also inquired about their knowledge of FTX and Alameda.
By the end of the session, a sufficient pool of potential jurors had been assembled, with the final selection process set to take place on October 4. The prosecution also revealed potential witnesses, which encompassed former company executives, family members, and a number of institutions.
Although the trial is expected to last roughly six weeks, Judge Kaplan indicated that it could conclude earlier.
Read Now: Rising star Solana outshines Ethereum with whopping $5M inflows