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- Bankman-Fried alleges bias by Judge Kaplan during FTX fraud trial.
- Filed a Rule 33 motion for a new trial citing due process concerns.
- Delaware recusal cases highlight growing attention to judicial fairness.
Sam Bankman-Fried, the former FTX CEO, has escalated his legal battle by alleging judicial bias in his criminal trial while filing a motion for a new trial in federal court. The claims, detailed in a recent pro se filing in the Southern District of New York, spotlight alleged courtroom conduct and pre-verdict remarks by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan that Bankman-Fried argues unfairly influenced his conviction.
Alleged Bias in Courtroom Conduct
Bankman-Fried’s filing accuses Judge Kaplan of showing contempt toward him during trial proceedings. He contends that the judge’s behavior was visible to the jury and impacted how the trial unfolded. The filing also cites remarks allegedly made by Kaplan suggesting there was sufficient evidence of fraud and encouraging jurors to reach a quick verdict. Notably, the motion references discussions around pizza and transportation offers during deliberations, which concluded within a compressed timeframe.
These claims come after Bankman-Fried’s unsuccessful bid for a presidential pardon and draw parallels to recusal developments in Delaware, where judges have stepped aside following bias allegations. Bankman-Fried argues that similar standards should apply to his case and has formally requested Judge Kaplan’s recusal.
Filing for a New Trial Under Rule 33
In addition to seeking recusal, Bankman-Fried submitted a motion for a new trial under Rule 33 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The filing, entered on February 10, 2026, was submitted without legal representation from prison. It includes a memorandum of law and a declaration detailing alleged due process violations, including claims that the government withheld information that could have affected his defense.
Rule 33 allows a court to grant a new trial if it deems such action necessary in the interest of justice. The motion is separate from Bankman-Fried’s ongoing appeal in the Second Circuit, which continues independently. He is currently serving a 25-year sentence following a November 2023 jury conviction on seven counts of fraud and conspiracy related to the FTX collapse, which involved defrauding customers and investors.
Also Read: Prosecutors Shut Down Sam Bankman-Fried’s Retrial Bid — Here’s What Happens Next
Delaware Recusal Precedent Adds Context
Bankman-Fried’s claims emerge alongside recent recusal developments in Delaware. Judge Kathaleen McCormick reassigned cases involving Elon Musk amid bias allegations tied to social media interactions. While McCormick denied endorsing biased conduct, she sanctioned case withdrawals citing potential media influence on justice.
Bankman-Fried’s legal team and the court will now assess whether similar judicial standards warrant review in his case. The decision could set an important precedent for claims of bias in high-profile financial crime trials.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
