Sam Bankman-Fried found guilty on all counts of fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. Could face up to 110 years in prison. Discussion on the hurdles SBF's defense team faces in appealing the jury's decision. The result of the case serves as a warning for bad actors in the crypto space. Predictions of a sentence of over 20 years
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Quick takeaways
Sam Bankman-Fried has been found guilty on all counts of fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, potentially facing up to 110 years in prison.
The guilty verdict serves as a warning to bad actors in the crypto space, emphasizing the commitment to investigating and prosecuting market integrity violations.
Deep dives
Guilty verdict: Sam Bankman-Freed found guilty on all charges
Sam Bankman-Freed has been found guilty on all seven counts of fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. The jury reached a verdict in just four hours, which is unusually fast. Bankman-Freed's time on the stand was seen as damaging, with concerns about his credibility. His stoic reaction to the verdict in contrast to his emotional parents suggests a difficult moment for his family. The defense is expected to file an appeal, although it is unlikely that his bail will be reinstated. Bankman-Freed's sentencing is scheduled for March 28th.
Sentencing expectations: Tough judge and aggravating circumstances
Judge Kaplan, known for tough sentences, will determine Bankman-Freed's fate. The judge has to balance punishing the large-scale fraud and sociopathic behavior with considering Bankman-Freed's young age and potential for redemption. It is challenging to find comparable cases given the colossal scale of this fraud. However, the judge's decision will have implications for messaging and deterrence in the crypto space. A sentence north of 20 years is predicted, but whether Bankman-Freed will effectively face life in prison remains uncertain.
Crypto market impact: Sending a message and building confidence
The guilty verdict sends a definitive message to the crypto market that fraud will be treated as fraud, regardless of the sector. Prosecutors' commitment to investigating and prosecuting market integrity violations aims to instill confidence among investors and consumers. Pushing out bad actors is a priority, allowing honest entrepreneurs in the crypto space to thrive. The hope is that regulation and transparency will prevail, inspiring the benefits of blockchain technology while weeding out those who pose threats to the market's integrity.
The verdict is in: Sam Bankman-Fried was found guilty on all seven counts of fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. Now, the FTX founder could face up to 110 years in prison.
White collar criminal defense expert and Partner at Cahill Gordon & Reindel, Sam Enzer, rejoins the podcast to explain how the law could make an example out of SBF with a long sentence.
He walks Kelly through the hurdles SBF’s defense team faces in appealing the jury’s decision, the likelihood of a life sentence for Bankman-Fried, and how the result of the case serves as a warning sign for bad actors in the crypto space.