The request for additional time was largely attributed to the US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent replacement of the lead prosecutor late last month, marking at least the third such transition since charges were initially filed in late 2024.
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who has presided over the case since 2024, questioned the frequency of prosecutorial changes.
“It helps if we can have some continuity,” she said.
David Liss, the newly appointed DOJ attorney leading the prosecution, told the judge that his predecessor provided a comprehensive guide to the case, including specifics on every defendant. He further attempted to reassure the court by indicating his intention to remain on the case.
Mr Liss takes on a sprawling case involving 17 defendants, including Mr Lam, whom prosecutors allege was the ringleader of the criminal gang.
The US government accused the enterprise of concocting a very elaborate scheme to steal cryptocurrency worth more than US$260 million at the time.
