By Nidhi Kolhapur 22 February 2024 | 3:53 pm

FTX’s Bankman-Fried Sticks with Lawyer Despite Conflict of Interest: Risky Bet or Smart Play?

Sam Bankman-Fried Alleges Binance Leaked Alameda's Balance Sheet

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Sam Bankman-Fried’s case, the imprisoned mastermind behind the now-defunct FTX Cryptocurrency Exchange, gets more interesting with each passing day. Now, a new chapter unfolds.

Despite potential conflicts of interest, he stands firm in retaining defense attorney Marc Mukasey, marking a bold move in his courtroom strategy.

Conflicts in Focus

On Wednesday, Bankman-Fried emerged for his first court appearance since a fraud conviction last November, shedding light on his legal strategy.

In a move to strengthen his defense, he enlisted the services of seasoned attorney Mark Mukasey, along with lawyers Mark Cohen and Christian Everdell, in January to handle his sentencing and upcoming appeal.

However, prosecutors raised concerns about Mukasey’s potential conflicts of interest, pointing to his simultaneous representation of Alex Mashinsky, CEO of Celsius Networks. Mashinsky is involved in a separate cryptocurrency case, facing charges of falsely inflating the value of Celsius Network’s internal cryptocurrency token. The complication arises from allegations that Bankman-Fried’s Alameda Research used stolen FTX customer funds to repay money borrowed from Celsius.

Also Read: SBF Jail Photo Revealed Ahead of FTX Scandal Sentencing; Crypto Community Reacts

SBF Remains Defiant

Despite these concerns, Bankman-Fried remains steadfast in his choice to retain Mukasey, dismissing the prosecution’s reservations. This unwavering commitment reflects Bankman-Fried’s confidence in Mukasey’s abilities, even in the face of potential conflicts of interest. The upcoming sentencing on March 28 carries significant weight for Bankman-Fried, who could be looking at a lengthy prison term.

It’s Not Going to Be Easy!

Mukasey’s extensive legal experience, including his tenure as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan and involvement in high-profile cases, adds complexity to Bankman-Fried’s legal proceedings.

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There Still Might Be Hope

With the sentencing date approaching, Bankman-Fried remains hopeful. He relies on Mukasey’s expertise, anticipating a potential reduction in the sentence despite facing extensive fraud allegations. The fate of Bankman-Fried hangs in the balance, hinging on trust and legal strategy.

The drama continues, and something tells us this isn’t the last of the twists and turns.