The judge overseeing Sam Bankman-Fried’s fraud case wants some help navigating the world of encrypted messaging, privacy apps, and virtual private networks.
Lawyers for former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried have agreed to pay a security expert to help the federal judge overseeing his fraud case navigate modern encryption technology that could help change Bankman-Fried’s bail conditions.
Bankman-Fried attorneys Christian Everdell and Mark Cohen sent a letter to Judge Lewis Kaplan on Feb. 21 agreeing to his motion for a technical expert.
According to the letter, “the defense has already begun researching and contacting potential experts and expects to present one or more potential candidates to the court by the end of the week.”
At a bail hearing last week, Judge Kaplan proposed an increase in bail after it was revealed that Bankman-Fried accessed the Internet through a VPN (a virtual private network).
A VPN masks and encrypts a user’s Internet traffic and is often used to change Internet (IP) addresses, add a layer of security, or access content censored in autocratic systems.
The judge tried to find a balance between allowing access to communication channels in preparation for the Bankman-Fried defense and the potential abuse of messaging programs and privacy software.
Judge Kaplan temporarily banned Sam Bankman-Fried from using VPNs or other encrypted messaging apps until his bail conditions are agreed upon.
Tech Expert helps troubleshoot issues related to encrypted messaging, privacy-focused messaging apps, and VPNs.
Bankman-Fried and his lawyer say he used the VPN twice, on January 29 to watch the NFL playoffs and on February 12 to watch the Super Bowl.
Prosecutors requested strict bail conditions that limit Bankman-Fried’s access to the Internet and social media. They also argued that using a VPN “raises some potential concerns” about the potential access of crypto platforms blocking US users.
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