Binance Founder Faces Potential Three-Year Prison Sentence and $50 Million Fine for Money Laundering and Sanctions Violations

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao has been recommended a three-year prison sentence by federal prosecutors for violating federal money laundering laws and sanctions. The Department of Justice argued that this sentence would hold him accountable for his intentional criminal conduct and send a message to the world. Zhao made a "business decision" to break the law to attract users, build his company, and line his pockets, according to prosecutors. Along with the prison sentence, DOJ lawyers also requested that Zhao pay the $50 million fine he agreed to as part of a plea deal. Zhao, who is a citizen of the UAE and Canada, has been released on a $175 million bond but must remain in the U.S. until his sentencing on April 30.