CryptosHeadlines.com - The Leading Crypto Research Network

In a separate document, the U.S. Department of Justice is preparing the courthouse’s technology. They believe that Sam Bankman-Fried’s proposed jury questions are overly invasive and might be designed to benefit his defense.

Ad. Get $50 USDT Reward From CryptosHeadlines. Click Here To Join

Earlier this week, both Bankman-Fried and the DOJ submitted questions for jury selection. These questions ranged from general inquiries about juror familiarity with the case to more specific ones about their knowledge of individuals with ADHD. These questions are crucial for ensuring a fair and unbiased jury selection process.

Prosecutors wrote to Judge Lewis Kaplan in the Southern District of New York, expressing concerns about some of Bankman-Fried’s questions. They found these questions invasive, particularly those that asked potential jurors about their opinions on FTX, the crypto exchange accused of fraud and which had a dramatic collapse last November.

Defense’s Jury Questions Criticized as Intrusive; Tech Upgrades Sought

The defense’s request for open-ended questions about potential jurors’ opinions on the case, the defendant, and the defendant’s companies was criticized as overly intrusive by prosecutors. They argued that questions about effective altruism and ADHD were unnecessary and aimed at promoting a defense narrative. Prosecutors also found questions about ADHD irrelevant and prejudicial.

Additionally, prosecutors have requested tech upgrades for the trial, including a high-speed ethernet connection, a printer for government use, and headphones for the jury. These upgrades, they believe, will significantly enhance the presentation of evidence during the trial.

Important: Please note that this article is only meant to provide information and should not be taken as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other type of advice.

#Bitcoin #CryptoNews #cryptomarket #SamBankmanFried #DOJ

DOJ Targets DeFi Illicit Activities and North Korean Hackers in Crypto Crackdown

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is intensifying its efforts to combat illicit activities in the realm of decentralized finance (DeFi) as part of its crypto enforcement strategy. Eun Young Choi, director of the DOJ's national cryptocurrency enforcement team (NCET), highlighted the significance of the issue, particularly in light of the involvement of North Korean state-sponsored hackers.

According to Choi, North Korean hackers were responsible for stealing between $630 million and over $1 billion in crypto assets in 2022. The rise of such state-sponsored hackers has prompted the DOJ to focus on thefts and hacks related to DeFi, with specific attention on chain bridges. Choi explained that the DOJ aims to target companies that engage in criminal activities themselves or enable them, including those that facilitate money laundering.

#DeFi Platforms Under Scrutiny: DOJ's NCET Aims to Curb Illicit Activities

The NCET, established in February 2022, serves as a central entity for the DOJ to address cryptocurrency-related cybercrime, money laundering, and forfeiture. Although the #DOJ initially emphasized its focus on "mixing and tumbling services," DeFi platforms have now become a particular area of concern.

Choi emphasized the growing scale and scope of digital assets being exploited for illicit purposes over the past four years. Notable examples include the Euler Finance hack in March 2023, where approximately $196 million worth of various #cryptocurrencies were stolen, and the Mango Markets exploit in November 2022, which resulted in the draining of funds and the elimination of liquidity from the platform.

The DOJ's crackdown on DeFi hackers and exploiters is part of its broader objective to disrupt criminal actors and prevent them from profiting easily. By targeting the source, the platforms themselves, the DOJ aims to create a multiplier effect that hampers criminal activities and their financial gains. 

CryptosHeadlines.com - The Leading Crypto Research Network

After Sam Bankman-Fried’s bail was canceled, he’s back in court with Judge Lewis Kaplan presiding. The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has issued a report about the judge’s directives.

Bankman-Fried’s defense team said he should be released from prison to prepare for his defense because his internet connection is weak, and his device’s battery doesn’t last long, making it hard for him to work on his case. Following a recent online hearing, Judge Kaplan asked both sides to submit reports on this issue.

In response to Judge Kaplan’s request, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has clarified the technology available to Bankman-Fried at the Manhattan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, where he’s held. According to the report, he has access to a laptop and three external hard drives with defense materials every day. On weekdays, he can use the laptop for 11 hours, and on weekends and holidays, for 7.5 hours. He can also access the external hard drives whenever needed.

The report adds that Bankman-Fried can use a laptop with an internet connection twice a week. Earlier, his lawyers mentioned problems with low battery life and a weak internet connection. However, the report states that he now has a new battery lasting around 8 hours, and the internet speed is between 7.5 to 34 megabits per second (mbps). The DoJ’s report emphasizes that the provided internet connection is sufficient.

After Judge Kaplan revoked his bail in mid-August due to concerns about witness tampering, Bankman-Fried was put in prison. His defense team has appealed this bail cancellation decision, but they are also asking for his temporary release. They argue that being in jail is making it difficult for Bankman-Fried to prepare his defense properly.

Important: Please note that this article is only meant to provide information and should not be taken as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other type of advice.

#Blockchain #Bitcoin #CryptoNews #cryptomarket #DOJ