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Judges deny Sam Bankman-Fried’s appeal for early release

A three-judge panel from the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has denied a motion for early release for former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, or SBF.

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A three-judge panel from the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has denied a motion for early release for former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, or SBF.

In a Sept. 21 order, Circuit Judges John M. Walker Jr., Denny Chin and William Nardini denied SBF’s motion for early release, which his team argued was largely due to First Amendment issues. The ruling said Lewis Kaplan — the judge overseeing SBF’s criminal case — had “correctly determined” that Bankman-Fried’s speech amounted to witness tampering.

“The record shows that the district court thoroughly considered all of the relevant factors, including Bankman-Fried’s course of conduct over time that had required the district court to repeatedly tighten the conditions of release,” said the Sept. 21 order. “It also shows that the district court contemplated a less restrictive alternative offered by SBF — an order limiting his communications with the press — but reasonably concluded this was not ‘a workable solution longer term.’

Bankman-Fried previously admitted to releasing former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison’s private journals to a New York Times reporter, resulting in some of their contents being published — an act prosecutors labeled as witness intimidation. SBF’s lawyers also argued for early release from jail on the grounds that the lack of consistent internet access prevented him from preparing an adequate defense for his criminal trial.

The court had been deliberating on the matter following a Sept. 19 hearing in which both the Justice Department and SBF’s defense team had roughly five minutes to present their cases for the former FTX CEO remaining in jail and early release, respectively. Judge Kaplan revoked SBF’s $250-million bail on Aug. 11, whereupon he was remanded to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

The appellate court ruling was likely one of the last chances for Bankman-Fried to be freed ahead of his first criminal trial, scheduled to begin on Oct. 3 — less than two weeks. His second trial is expected to start in March 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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Bitcoin price risks drop to $71K as Trump tariffs hurt US business outlook

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Bitcoin is setting its sights on the $71,000 mark as market conditions shift in response to geopolitical and economic developments, including a new tariff agreement and weakening U.S. business sentiment.

Recent market activity suggests that Bitcoin is benefiting from concerns over traditional economic indicators, with investors turning to digital assets as a hedge against economic uncertainty. A rare slump in U.S. business outlook has fueled speculation that risk assets, including Bitcoin, could see increased inflows.

Additionally, ongoing global trade negotiations and tariff adjustments have contributed to market volatility, prompting investors to seek alternative stores of value. Analysts suggest that if macroeconomic pressures persist, Bitcoin could continue its upward trajectory, potentially testing the $71,000 resistance level.

Despite short-term fluctuations, Bitcoin remains a focal point for investors navigating inflation concerns, regulatory shifts, and global economic trends. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Bitcoin can sustain its momentum and break through key price barriers.

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Crypto donations top $1B in 2024, gain traction after Myanmar, Thailand quake

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Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, has donated 1,000 BNB to aid relief efforts following a powerful earthquake that struck the Thailand-Myanmar border region. The donation, valued at approximately $600,000, aims to support those affected by the disaster and assist in recovery operations.

The earthquake caused significant damage in several areas, displacing residents and impacting local infrastructure. CZ’s contribution highlights the growing role of cryptocurrency in humanitarian aid, providing fast and transparent relief funding.

The donation will be distributed to organizations working on the ground to deliver emergency assistance, including shelter, food, and medical supplies. Crypto-based aid is increasingly being utilized in disaster response efforts due to its efficiency in reaching affected communities without the delays of traditional banking systems.

As the affected regions begin the recovery process, the crypto community continues to demonstrate how blockchain technology can play a meaningful role in global humanitarian initiatives.

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Hackers are selling counterfeit phones with crypto-stealing malware

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Security researchers have uncovered a wave of counterfeit Android devices preloaded with malware designed to steal cryptocurrency, posing a significant threat to users worldwide. The infected devices, which mimic popular smartphone brands, contain malicious software capable of hijacking digital wallets and siphoning funds.

The malware, embedded at the firmware level, allows attackers to gain remote access, intercept sensitive data, and execute unauthorized transactions. Because the malicious code is deeply integrated into the device’s operating system, it is difficult to detect and remove, making it a persistent threat.

Cybersecurity experts warn that unsuspecting buyers may unknowingly expose their crypto holdings to risk by purchasing these compromised devices from unverified sellers. Users are urged to exercise caution by only purchasing smartphones from trusted retailers and manufacturers.

The discovery highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals targeting the cryptocurrency sector. As mobile-based crypto transactions become more common, security measures such as hardware wallet usage and multi-factor authentication are increasingly essential to safeguard digital assets from emerging threats.

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