Nishad Singh, the former engineering director at FTX, is being recognized for his crucial assistance in helping the U.S. government build its case against Sam Bankman-Fried, the fallen CEO of FTX.
Singh, who pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges earlier this year, could see a more lenient sentence due to his “substantial assistance” during the trial.
In an October 23 filing, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams urged Judge Lewis Kaplan to consider Singh’s cooperation at his upcoming sentencing on October 30.
Singh’s testimony was pivotal in explaining how FTX’s system allowed the misappropriation of customers’ funds and identifying key financial transactions orchestrated by Bankman-Fried using stolen assets.
Singh’s involvement in the scandal was framed as largely “unwitting,” with prosecutors highlighting his earnest efforts to assist after FTX’s collapse.
Since his guilty plea in February 2023, Singh has worked closely with authorities, providing critical evidence, including Signal messages and technical insights about FTX’s code.
While Singh faces multiple felony charges, the government’s request suggests that his cooperation might influence the court’s decision.
It remains to be seen whether Singh will receive time served, as requested by his lawyers, or face a stricter penalty. Similar cooperation from former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison led to her receiving a two-year prison sentence, despite her significant role in the case.