Four new criminal charges have been filed against Sam Bankman-Fried

The Sam Bankman-Fried former CEO of the defunct crypto exchange FTX has been charge with four new criminal counts, including conspiracy to make illegal political donations and bank fraud.

Sam Bankman-Fried has already pleaded not guilty to the customer and investor fraud.

Last year, FTX declared bankruptcy, rendering many users unable to withdraw their funds.

Mr Bankman-Fried is now facing 12 criminal charges.

Mr Bankman-spokesman Fried’s declined to comment.

Prosecutors accused Mr Bankman-Fried and two other former FTX executives of conspiring to donate tens of millions of dollars to influence US politicians to pass laws favourable to the company.

According to prosecutors, the donations were made through “straw” donors or with corporate funds, allowing Mr Bankman-Fried to avoid contribution limits.

They claimed Mr Bankman-Fried directed one executive to donate to left-wing candidates and another to Republicans. With many of the donations funded by his Alameda Research hedge fund also FTX customer funds.

Mr Bankman-Fried has already pleaded not guilty to charges. That he use FTX customer deposits to fund Alameda Research, purchase property, also make political contributions.

He was release on a $250 million (£208 million) bail package after his arrest. If convicte, he faces more than 100 years in prison.

The trial date has set for October 2nd by Judge Lewis Kaplan.