US prosecutors have requested that the court favorably consider former FTX executive Nishad Singhâs âsubstantial assistanceâ during their investigation into the failed crypto exchange, according to an Oct. 23 court filing.
The prosecutors noted that he approached his cooperation with genuine remorse and a strong desire to help. According to the authorities, Singhâs âexemplary cooperationâ played a pivotal role in helping the government uncover how FTXâs systems enabled the misuse of customer funds.
Singhâs extensive cooperation
They furthered that Singh also provided detailed information on Sam Bankman-Friedâs involvement in transactions that involved stolen money.
They stated that Singhâs cooperation went further. He revealed illegal activities the government had not previously uncovered, such as Ryan Salameâs and Bankman-Friedâs participation in one of the largest campaign finance violations in history. He also exposed how Bankman-Fried falsified FTXâs financial statements to make the company appear more profitable than it was.
The authorities added:
âSubsequent to his guilty plea, Singh met with the Government at least 20 times, and spent additional time outside of these meetings reviewing computer code, documents, emails, Signal messages, and spreadsheets in order to identify and decode relevant documents for the Government.â
What does this mean for Singh?
As a result of Singhâs cooperation, prosecutors have asked the court to consider sentencing Singh under Section 5K1.1 of the US Sentencing Guidelines. This section allows for a reduced sentence when the defendant has provided substantial assistance in the investigation or prosecution of others involved in criminal activity.
Part of the section reads:
âThe nature, extent, and significance of assistance can involve a broad spectrum of conduct that must be evaluated by the court on an individual basis. Latitude is, therefore, afforded the sentencing judge to reduce a sentence based upon variable relevant factorsâ
In Singhâs case, this could lead to a lighter sentence than for other FTX leaders, such as Salame, Caroline Ellison, and Bankman-Fried, who face several years in prison.
Notably, Singhâs attorneys have even requested a âtime servedâ sentence, citing his limited role in FTXâs collapse and efforts to prevent fraud. They also noted that Singhâs actions helped FTX Japan avoid disaster.
Singh is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 30.