In a recent development in the high-profile case involving Sam Bankman-Fried, the FTX co-founder is seeking to seal the diary of Caroline Ellison, former CEO of Alameda Research and his on-and-off girlfriend. The diary has emerged as a key piece of evidence in the trial, which involves over six million pages of evidence, making it one of the largest cases of white-collar securities fraud in Manhattan.
Bankman-Fried’s trial revolves around 13 criminal counts, including bank fraud, bribery, and campaign finance violations. His crypto exchange, FTX, collapsed last November after reports surfaced about its overly close relationship with its sister hedge fund, Alameda. This led to a rush of customer withdrawals that FTX could not meet, partly due to lavish spending by executives.
Ellison’s diary, contained in a black notebook, is said to hold observations about Bankman-Fried, some expressing personal and professional resentment. These entries, recorded in electronic documents seen by lawyers, could shed light on the internal dynamics and disagreements within FTX’s top ranks.
However, Bankman-Fried’s move to seal the diary has been met with opposition from Inner City Press, a media organization that has previously opposed Bankman-Fried’s bid to keep bail co-signers secret. The organization has asked the court to schedule a hearing on the matter if required.
Ellison, who lived in Bankman-Fried’s penthouse in the Bahamas alongside other FTX executives, is expected to be a key witness in the case. She has pleaded guilty to seven charges, including securities fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
As the trial progresses, the fate of Ellison’s diary and its potential revelations remains uncertain. The case continues to draw attention from the crypto community and beyond, highlighting the potential pitfalls and legal complexities in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency.
