In a recent update on the situation of Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, his lawyer revealed that the entrepreneur is allegedly living on a diet of only bread and water in prison. The lawyer claims that the prison has not provided the vegan diet that Bankman-Fried had requested. This revelation raises concerns regarding the treatment of prisoners and their access to appropriate food and medication.
Last year, Bankman-Fried was charged with fraud following the failure of FTX. During a court hearing in New York, Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty to seven criminal charges in a new indictment. However, his lawyer, Mark Cohen, highlighted the lack of adequate food as a hindrance to his client’s ability to prepare for the upcoming trial scheduled for October. Additionally, Cohen stated that Bankman-Fried had not been provided with the ADHD drug Adderall and that his supply of the depression medication Emsam was running low.
Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn expressed her willingness to address these concerns by contacting the US Justice Department’s Bureau of Prisons, which operates the jail. While she believed that the facility offered vegetarian food, it remained uncertain whether vegan food was available. The Bureau of Prisons released a statement asserting that inmates have access to suitable healthcare, medication, and hot meals.
Bankman-Fried, once known as “The King of Crypto,” appeared in court wearing leg restraints and a beige prison uniform. This marked his first appearance since his bail was revoked due to allegations of witness tampering. The new indictment charged him with seven counts of fraud and conspiracy related to FTX’s collapse in November 2022. Notably, the updated charges no longer include conspiring to violate US campaign finance laws. Bankman-Fried maintained his plea of not guilty, acknowledging inadequate risk management at FTX but denying any involvement in stealing funds.
FTX, which was once the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange with a valuation of $32 billion, filed for bankruptcy protection on November 11. This development had a significant impact on the cryptocurrency market, causing shockwaves throughout the industry.
The circumstances surrounding Bankman-Fried’s prison conditions and legal battle warrant attention due to their implications for prisoner rights, fair trial proceedings, and the regulation of cryptocurrency exchanges. It is essential to ensure that prisoners receive suitable nutrition and medication to prevent compromising their physical and mental well-being. Additionally, the outcome of Bankman-Fried’s trial will likely have repercussions for the perception and future regulation of cryptocurrency exchanges, given FTX’s previous prominence and subsequent collapse.
