New details show that Bankman-Fried had a busy schedule in September 2022, with meetings involving influencers less than two months before the exchange crash.
From close connections with Bahamian authorities and former President Bill Clinton to an evening at New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ favorite nightspot, here’s what’s new from the trial.
Sam Bankman-Fried’s political network revealed
According to testimony from FBI Special Agent Richard Busick, tasked with tracking Sam Bankman-Fried’s cell phone from June 2021 to November 2022, records showed that the former FTX executive programmed to meet with former President Bill Clinton at a New York City Hilton hotel.
Additionally, Bankman-Fried had a recorded meeting with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul just days earlier, possibly at the Capital Grille on East 42nd Street, although this location has not yet been confirmed by Hochul’s office, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Kudla.
In the months leading up to FTX’s collapse and his subsequent arrest, Bankman-Fried was deeply entangled with influential figures in New York political and financial circles. Despite residing in the Bahamas, evidence from an FBI agent specializing in phone records analysis revealed that the crypto tycoon frequently visited New York in 2022.
Special Agent Richard Busick’s testimony shed light on Bankman-Fried’s interactions in the city, potentially emphasizing the connection between her alleged crimes and New York. His agenda was a whirlwind of diverse meetings, ranging from a quick photo shoot with Forbes to meetings with prominent figures such as Saudi Arabia’s finance minister and the head of its sovereign wealth fund.
These engagements were meticulously managed by his personal assistant, Natalie Tien.
Notably, he even had dinner with Mayor Eric Adams at Osteria La Baia, an Italian restaurant near the Museum of Modern Art, a favorite nighttime hangout of the mayor. The high demand for Bankman-Fried was evident, with numerous investment funds, including those of George Soros and Morgan Stanley, seeking access to the crypto prodigy.
Flirting with Bahamian officials
Two months before Bankman-Fried’s business empire fell into bankruptcy, Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis enlisted Bankman-Fried’s help in advising his son on an nft project. This communication, presented as evidence by prosecutors, underscores the close relationship Bankman-Fried maintained with Bahamian officials, as FTX was based in the country.
The Bahamian government had previously faced criticism for its lenient regulations for crypto companies. Notably, the Bahamas Securities Commission allowed FTX to operate without a license for more than two years.
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