Sam Bankman‑Fried Files Motion for New Trial in FTX Fraud Case

On February 10, 2026, former cryptocurrency executive Sam Bankman‑Fried filed a legal motion seeking a new trial in his long‑running fraud case tied to the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The filing, entered in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, argues that evidence not presented at his original trial could warrant a retrial under Rule 33 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Bankman‑Fried, the ex‑co‑founder and CEO of FTX, is currently serving a 25‑year federal prison sentence after his November 2023 conviction on multiple counts of fraud, conspiracy, and related financial crimes connected to the multibillion‑dollar collapse of the exchange. Prosecution testimony at that trial detailed how customer funds were misused to support risky trades and investments, leading to massive losses and insolvency.

The new motion, submitted largely by Bankman‑Fried’s mother, Barbara H. Fried, a law professor, contends that evidence from former FTX executives who did not testify could materially impact the jury’s findings. It also alleges the prosecution failed to disclose certain materials, and he argues that his constitutional right to a fair trial was compromised.

Legal experts note that motions for new trials are rarely granted because the standard to overturn a conviction is high, requiring proof that the new evidence would likely change the outcome. Bankman‑Fried’s appeal in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals remains ongoing, focusing on other aspects of his conviction and trial procedures.

The motion highlights the continued legal contest around one of the largest financial fraud cases of the last decade, with Bankman‑Fried continuing to assert his innocence and pursue additional legal avenues. Observation of the case also reflects broader debates over regulatory oversight in the cryptocurrency sector and the accountability of high‑profile technology founders.