Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Ordered to Stay in U.S. Until Sentencing
Judge Cites Zhao's Wealth and Lack of U.S. Ties as Reasons for Flight Risk Concerns
- Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, has been ordered by a U.S. District Judge to remain in the United States until his sentencing in February 2024.
- Zhao pleaded guilty last month to violating federal money laundering rules and faces up to 18 months in prison.
- The judge's ruling is based on concerns that Zhao, who has substantial wealth and family ties in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), poses a flight risk due to the lack of an extradition treaty between the U.S. and the UAE.
- Zhao was released on a $175 million bond, but the judge noted that most of his wealth is believed to be held overseas.
- Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange which Zhao founded, also pleaded guilty to related charges and agreed to pay over $4.3 billion in financial penalties.