SBF wants a new trial. "Procedural errors and pressure on witnesses"

Sam Bankman-Fried filed a motion for a new trial in federal court, citing Rule 33 of the federal criminal procedure. This is a mechanism that allows for a request for reconsideration of a case when new circumstances arise or when, in the court's opinion, the interests of justice require it.

The defense claims that the original proceedings were burdened with procedural errors and that the jury did not see the full picture of FTX's financial condition.

SBF maintains that the exchange was not 'unequivocally insolvent' in the way presented by the prosecution, and that some data was interpreted to reinforce the narrative of misappropriation of client funds.

Accusations against the DOJ: "silencing witnesses and controlling the narrative"

The strongest part of the motion concerns allegations against the U.S. Department of Justice. Bankman-Fried claims that prosecutors pressured individuals who might testify in his favor, limiting their willingness to testify or the scope of their statements.

The defense also argues that the prosecution based the narrative of the trial mainly on the testimonies of cooperating witnesses who reached agreements with the prosecution — which may have resulted in a one-sided picture of the FTX–Alameda relationship.

In practice, motions based on rule 33 are rarely granted: the court would have to find that the new elements are significant and could realistically change the verdict.