The Trump administration is reportedly considering a pardon for Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the co-founder of Binance, who pleaded guilty to money laundering in 2024 and is serving a 4-month prison sentence. According to journalist Charles Gasparino, close sources indicate that Trump believes CZ's case is “quite weak” and not worth a criminal charge. If pardoned, CZ could return to Binance, where he remains the largest shareholder.
Under Trump, the White House had a more friendly stance towards cryptocurrencies, previously pardoning the founders of BitMEX and Silk Road. CZ asserts that he is not accused of fraud but only violated the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).
Some officials are concerned that the pardon may create a conflict of interest due to Trump's cryptocurrency projects. Experts believe that the case of CZ is an overreaction following the FTX collapse, as the authorities want to “set an example” for the cryptocurrency industry.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
