The crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried has been tried and convicted of orchestrating one of the largest financial frauds in history, but little has changed for people who lost billions when FTX collapsed.
The former FTX CEO was keen to convince jurors he did not intend to commit any crimes — but he stumbled frequently under withering questioning by the prosecution.
Caroline Ellison accused Bankman-Fried of being the mastermind behind illegal activity at FTX. Her words carry weight: She worked with him and also once dated him.
Sam Bankman-Fried's trial in New York kicked off with lawyers from both sides delivering their opening statements, painting him as a villain or as an innocent nerd.
FTX's lawyers allege Sam Bankman-Fried's mom and dad helped shape their son's crypto empire and received millions of dollars worth of gifts and benefits from the now-bankrupt company.