Jobaaj Stories
Binance's founder and CEO, Changpeng Zhao, has resigned and pleaded guilty to violating US anti-money laundering laws in a landmark $4.3 billion settlement, concluding a lengthy investigation into the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, as announced by prosecutors on Tuesday.
As part of the settlement, Zhao will personally pay $50 million, constituting one of the largest corporate penalties in US history, according to prosecutors. This development follows recent legal challenges in the cryptocurrency industry, including the conviction of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried for fraud.
Despite the severity of the charges, legal experts note that the outcome is favorable for Zhao, as he retains his significant wealth and stake in Binance, which he founded in 2017. The exchange was found to have violated US anti-money laundering and sanctions laws, failing to report over 100,000 suspicious transactions involving entities classified as terrorist groups, such as Hamas, al Qaeda, and ISIS.
Also read: IREDA IPO Launches with Strong Investor Interest and Day One Success
Additionally, Binance was accused of not reporting transactions with websites engaged in the sale of child sexual abuse materials and being a major recipient of ransomware proceeds. US Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Binance had facilitated the movement of stolen funds and illicit proceeds, alleging that the exchange not only failed to comply with federal law but also pretended to comply.
The settlement, negotiated with the Justice Department, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Treasury Department, includes Binance paying $1.81 billion within 15 months and a further $2.51 billion as part of forfeiture.
Also read: Tata Technologies: IPO Insights and Investor Buzz
Zhao, a billionaire born in China and raised in Canada, pleaded guilty in a Seattle court on Tuesday. In response to the settlement, he tweeted, "Today, I stepped down as CEO of Binance. Admittedly, it was not easy to let go emotionally. But I know it is the right thing to do. I made mistakes, and I must take responsibility. This is best for our community, for Binance, and for myself."
While Zhao appears to maintain his stake in Binance, questions arise regarding the future of the exchange given his departure. Despite the seriousness of the violations, legal experts suggest that Zhao emerged relatively unscathed, maintaining his vast wealth and ownership in a company that has resolved significant legal issues.
Also read: Blue Jet Healthcare to come with a new IPO this October
Zhao's net worth is estimated at $10.2 billion, according to Forbes. The Justice Department is seeking an 18-month prison sentence for Zhao, the maximum suggested under federal guidelines. Binance's former chief compliance officer, Samuel Lim, was charged by the CFTC. The exchange has been under scrutiny since at least 2018, and the settlement raises concerns about the implications for the crypto industry and the continued influence of Zhao on Binance.
