On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, CoinGape reported that Sam Bankman-Fried publicly accused U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan of bias in his criminal trial, while simultaneously seeking a new trial in federal court.

Bankman-Fried’s claims stem from a recent pro se filing submitted in the Southern District of New York, where he argued that Kaplan’s conduct during the proceedings compromised the fairness of the trial. He alleged that the judge displayed visible contempt toward him in front of the jury, which he said may have influenced the outcome of the case.

In his statements, Bankman-Fried also cited remarks he attributed to Kaplan prior to the verdict, including an alleged suggestion that sufficient evidence of fraud had already been established. He further claimed that the judge encouraged jurors to expedite deliberations, referencing reported offers of food and transportation while the jury reached a verdict within a limited timeframe.

As part of his legal efforts, Bankman-Fried has requested that Kaplan recuse himself from the case, arguing that the judge’s actions undermined judicial impartiality. He compared his situation to recent developments in Delaware, where Kathaleen McCormick stepped aside from several high-profile cases following allegations of bias.

Separately, Bankman-Fried filed a motion for a new trial under Rule 33 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The motion, entered on February 10, 2026, includes a memorandum of law, a declaration, and supporting documents submitted without legal representation. Rule 33 permits a court to order a new trial if it is deemed necessary in the interest of justice.

In the filing, Bankman-Fried argued that his trial violated due process, alleging that prosecutors withheld information that could have affected his defense. The motion remains pending, and the court has not issued a ruling. It is being considered independently from his ongoing appeal before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

Bankman-Fried is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence following his November 2023 conviction on seven counts, including fraud and conspiracy related to the collapse of FTX. Prosecutors had argued that he orchestrated a scheme that defrauded customers, lenders, and investors.

The dispute comes amid broader attention to judicial recusal, including a situation involving Elon Musk. In that case, McCormick reassigned multiple cases after allegations surfaced over a LinkedIn interaction perceived as biased. Although she denied wrongdoing, she cited heightened media scrutiny as a factor in stepping aside, stating it could affect the administration of justice.

Source: CoinGape