Fraud and money laundering charges are brought against Mr. Bankman-Fried.

According to the prosecution, he stole billions of dollars from users of his cryptocurrency exchange, FTX, which led to the exchange’s collapse.

He refutes the accusations, saying he had no idea what was going on.

Such arguments, according to prosecutor Nick Roos, are not “remotely credible”.

“This was a pyramid of deceit built by the defendant on a foundation of lies and false promises,” he said, addressing the jury that will determine his fate.

“Even though he knew it was wrong, he accepted the money because he believed he was better and wiser… He added, “He believed he could talk his way out of it. “That ends with you.”

US government prosecutors contend that Mr. Bankman-Fried