SBF’s attorneys agree for technical expert to aid the judge

• Sam Bankman-Fried’s attorneys have informed the court that they have agreed to pay for a technical expert.
• The technical expert will help the judge with the technical aspects of SBF’s bail terms.

The attorneys representing Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) have submitted a letter on behalf of the former FTX CEO, agreeing to the appointment of an independent technical expert in the case, paid for by them, to provide necessary expertise to the judge overseeing the case. Judge Lewis Kaplan put forward the request for an expert who would aid him in technical issues. 

SBF’s lawyers are already looking for an expert

According to the letter shared by Fox reporter Eleanor Terrett on 22 February, Sam Bankman-Fried’s defense team will pay for the technical expert. Moreover, the aforementioned expert will help Judge Kaplan better understand Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and encrypted messaging applications.

This is a significant aspect of the case which will determine the terms of the disgraced CEO’s bail. 

?NEW: Just filed today, the defense expects to propose one or more potential candidates to act as an independent technical expert to advise the court on @SBF_FTX's bail conditions by the end of the week. pic.twitter.com/WfkF5frBAn

— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) February 21, 2023

In the letter, SBF’s lawyers stated: 

“The defense has already begun researching and contacting possible experts and anticipates being able to propose one or more potential candidates to the court by the end of the week.”

Sam Bankman-Fried’s internet use came under scrutiny late last month. It was discovered that he had used encrypted messaging applications to contact former employees of FTX. Moreover, the prosecution alleged that he was attempting to influence the testimony of potential witnesses. This resulted in the need of an expert, as it would allegedly help the judge provide a fair ruling in the case. 

Consequently, Judge Kaplan warned the former FTX chief about a possible revocation of his bail and subsequent incarceration. After repeated requests by prosecutors, the judge restricted Bankman-Fried from using VPNs or any encrypted messaging applications until the terms of his bail were finalized.