[Celsius Founder Files Motion to Overturn 12-Year Sentence, Accuses FTX of Attempting to 'Destroy Celsius'] Odaily Planet Daily News: Celsius founder Alex Mashinsky has filed a motion with a New York court seeking to overturn his 12-year sentence for fraud and market manipulation. The documents reveal that Mashinsky chose to represent himself (pro se) after his attorney withdrew, claiming that his lawyer 'ceased communication with him,' forcing him to personally file documents with the court. He argued that his previous defense involved 'ineffective counsel' and invoked the 'fruit of the poisonous tree' doctrine to challenge the legality of certain evidence in the case. Mashinsky also accused SBF of attempting to 'destroy Celsius' in the submitted materials and attributed market manipulation related to the CEL token to FTX. Additionally, he disclosed text messages with Celsius' former Chief Revenue Officer Roni Cohen-Pavon, alleging that Cohen-Pavon had attempted a 'hostile takeover' of the company. In 2025, Mashinsky pleaded guilty to commodities fraud and securities fraud, resulting in the forfeiture of $48 million and a requirement to pay $10 million in settlement to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Cohen-Pavon, who previously cooperated with prosecutors as a witness, has been sentenced to 'time served' and fined over $1 million. (Cointelegraph)