SBF’s bail deal prohibits internet messaging

Sam Bankman-Fried’s narration Attorneys and the court continue to argue about Fried’s bail limits. SBF’s counsel has negotiated a fresh bail accord with US authorities, allowing him to stay home but restricting his use of technology.

When a judge ordered SBF’s incarceration until his trial on March 27, the lawyers reached a new agreement, Reuters said. Bankman-Fried’s case judge, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, must approve the enhanced bail requirements.

Bankman-Fried may not use a smartphone with internet access or any apps other than voice calls and text messaging under the suggested restrictions. The agreement also required SBF to employ a basic laptop with limited capabilities and monitoring software to track user activity. No other electronic communication devices

SBF’s parents filed declarations indicating they would not let prohibited electronic devices into their home and limited his access to their computers in a Monday letter. SBF must authorize device searches for “reasonable suspicion” of a violation.

A few weeks before the new settlement, Judge Kaplan tried to bar SBF from using electronic devices and the internet as a condition of his release. SBF had an Internet-connected “garden of electronic devices” in Joe Bankman and Barbara Fried’s California home, according to the court. Judge Kaplan also claimed that SBF had “reasonable suspicion” of witness interference.

At the start of March, Kaplan reportedly voiced concerns about limiting SBF’s phone and other gadgets. He said SBF may find ways around the constraints.

As previously reported, SBF’s trial for stealing billions of dollars from FTX clients via his Alameda Research hedge fund is slated for October 2, 2023. He allegedly made large, illegal political donations. He denies eight charges that may lead to 115 years in prison.

Bankman-Fried was released on a $250 million bond, home arrest, location monitoring, and passport loss in December. A few days later, industry investigators watched SBF take over $700,000 from a Seychelles crypto exchange. FTX’s developer denies these and other SBF or FTX-related

SBF has been silent on Twitter for some time, yet he has not been banned. He retweeted and liked a tweet about Sullivan & Cromwell representing FTX debtors on January 20.