Day seven of Sam Bankman-Fried’s criminal trial saw the defense team unable to discredit Caroline Ellison, despite multiple attempts. The defense’s questions often seemed aimless, failing to draw any substantial conclusions. Ellison remained steadfast, revealing that SBF had plans to buy Telegram around the time Alameda “borrowed” $14 billion of FTX customer money.
Defense attorney Mark Cohen tried to portray Ellison as the one in charge of Alameda, but she clarified that SBF was the ultimate decision-maker. Ellison also disclosed that she had considered resigning from Alameda but was persuaded by SBF to stay, emphasizing his control over the firm.
The day continued with testimony from Christian Drappi, a former Alameda employee, who corroborated Ellison’s account. Zac Prince, founder of the bankrupt crypto lending firm BlockFi, briefly took the stand, setting the stage for his testimony to continue the next day.
Catch up on Unchained’s previous coverage:
Sam Bankman-Fried Trial: Here’s Everything That Happened So Far
SBF Trial, Day 1: Possible Witnesses Include FTX Insiders, Big Names in Crypto, and SBF’s Family
SBF Trial, Day 3: Why a True Believer in FTX Flipped Once He Learned One Fact
SBF Trial, Day 4: SBF’s Lawyers Annoy Judge Kaplan, While Wang Reveals Alameda’s Special Privileges
SBF Trial, Day 5: SBF’s Defense Finally Found Its Legs, But Can It Counter Caroline Ellison?
SBF Trial, Day 6: Caroline Ellison Recalls ‘The Worst Week of My Life’
Did Sam Bankman-Fried Have Intent to Defraud FTX Investors?
Here’s How Sam Bankman-Fried’s High-Stakes Trial Could Play Out
SBF Trial: How Sam Bankman-Fried’s Lawyers Might Try and Win His Case
The High-Stakes Trial of Sam Bankman-Fried Begins: What to Expect
In the SBF Case, Elite Corruption Is What’s Really on Trial
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