Sam Bankman-Fried Had Dinner With NYC Mayor Prior to FTX Collapse – Here's What You Need to Know
cryptonews.comSam Bankman-Fried was in constant contact with prominent political and financial figures in New York City in the months leading up to the collapse of FTX and his subsequent arrest.
In March 2022, the disgraced crypto boss had dinner with New York City Mayor Eric Adams at Osteria La Baia, an Italian restaurant near the Museum of Modern Art.
The establishment is known to be a preferred late-night meeting spot for the mayor.
Although the mayor's public schedule confirmed the meeting, it did not disclose the specifics of their discussion.
Additionally, in September 2022, Bankman-Fried was scheduled to meet with New York Governor Kathy Hochul at The Capital Grille steakhouse, an unconventional choice given Bankman-Fried's vegan lifestyle.
Selected emails presented by the prosecution highlighted the high demand for Bankman-Fried's presence and insights prior to the collapse of FTX.
Various investment firms, including those associated with George Soros and Morgan Stanley, sought access to group dinners organized to engage with the crypto prodigy.
In his testimony, Special Agent Richard Busick said Bankman-Fried's schedule was filled with high-profile encounters.
One moment, he would attend a brief photoshoot with Forbes in midtown, and the next, he would have appointments with influential figures such as Saudi Arabia's finance minister, Khalid A. Al-Falih, and the head of its sovereign wealth fund, Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
All of Bankman-Fried's engagements were meticulously coordinated by his personal assistant, Natalie Tien, whose experiences managing the CEO's hectic schedule were detailed in Michael Lewis' book, "Going Infinite."
Mayor Adams has demonstrated enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies, even receiving his first mayoral paycheck
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