Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, has been handed a four-month prison sentence due to the lack of adequate anti-money laundering measures within the company. Zhao, who once led the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally, entered a guilty plea in November 2023.
Judge Richard Jones emphasized that Zhao prioritized Binance’s growth and profitability over complying with US laws and regulations. While Jones believes Zhao is unlikely to commit further offenses, the magnitude of the crime remains significant.
Violation of US Law on an Unprecedented Scale
Although Zhao may not be as widely recognized as FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried, he holds substantial influence in the crypto industry. Establishing Binance in 2017, Zhao, a Chinese-Canadian entrepreneur, played a pivotal role in the exchange’s rapid expansion. Despite stepping down as CEO as part of his plea agreement, Zhao remains the controlling shareholder of Binance.
Prosecutors sought a three-year prison term for Zhao, double the sentencing guideline, citing the extensive nature of his misconduct. They highlighted Binance’s involvement in sanctions violations exceeding $898 million and emphasized the failure to comply with US laws, including the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), and implement adequate anti-money laundering measures.
Legal Defense and Consequences
In response, Zhao’s legal team argued against a prison sentence, noting that no defendant in a similar Bank Secrecy Act case had ever received incarceration. They underscored Zhao’s cooperation, including traveling from the UAE to enter his guilty plea and remaining in the US for over five months. Additionally, they highlighted Binance’s efforts to rectify its anti-money laundering procedures.
Zhao’s reputation in the crypto sphere has been characterized by a tendency to disregard US regulations. His actions, including public disputes with industry peers and high-profile trades, have drawn scrutiny. Notably, Zhao’s decision to sell his holdings of FTX’s token contributed to uncovering fraud at the exchange.
Despite agreeing to pay a $50 million fine, Zhao’s wealth remains substantial, with an estimated fortune of $33 billion amassed through Binance. Furthermore, he has waived the right to appeal any sentence up to 18 months.
As the crypto industry navigates regulatory challenges, Zhao’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance and accountability in fostering trust and legitimacy within the market.
