Former Binance CEO CZ Temporarily Restricted From Leaving U.S. Pending Sentencing Decision

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A federal judge has issued a restraining order preventing the former CEO of Binance, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), from departing the United States until a verdict is reached on the U.S. government’s request to bar his return to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before his sentencing. The government’s motion was filed in response to a release order granted by a magistrate judge, which had initially allowed CZ to return to the UAE while awaiting his sentencing.

Current Travel Limitations for CZ

A federal judge has enacted a directive that confines the former Binance CEO, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), to remain within the United States until the court deliberates on whether to grant the government’s plea to keep CZ in the U.S. until his sentencing is completed.

The order, signed by District Judge Richard A. Jones on Monday, reads: “This matter comes before the Court upon the United States’ motion for review of Magistrate Judge’s ruling on defendant [CZ]’s presentencing travel restrictions. Having considered the briefing, and the files and pleadings herein, the Court determines it will review the decision of Magistrate Judge Brian A. Tsuchida permitting Defendant to return to the United Arab Emirates pending sentencing pursuant to the conditions of his appearance bond.” The order further stipulates:

It is ordered that the condition permitting Defendant to return to the UAE pending sentencing is STAYED until such time as this Court resolves the government’s motion for review.

Last week, Zhao admitted guilt for failing to uphold an effective anti-money laundering program and stepped down from his position as CEO of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. In tandem with this, the government also filed charges against Binance for non-compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and U.S. sanctions law.

As part of their settlements with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Treasury Department, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), both Binance and Zhao are to pay a record-breaking sum exceeding $4.3 billion.

Magistrate Judge Tsuchida had previously issued a release order with specific bail conditions, permitting the former Binance CEO to return to the UAE during the interim period before his sentencing. However, the U.S. government has filed a motion to prevent Zhao from returning home prior to the conclusion of the sentencing proceedings. In response, CZ has urged the court to dismiss the government’s motion, asserting that Judge Tsuchida had already determined that he posed no flight risk, as he willingly presented himself before the court, taking responsibility and pleading guilty.

The U.S. government, in its motion, has indicated that the former Binance CEO could potentially face a prison sentence of up to 18 months. As per Magistrate Judge Tsuchina’s order, CZ is required to comply with bail conditions, including the posting of a $175 million personal recognizance bond, backed by two guarantors with cash pledges of $100,000 and $250,000, respectively, and a third guarantor offering real estate in Los Angeles, California, valued at over $5 million, as explained by his legal counsel.

We invite you to share your perspective on whether CZ should be permitted to return to the UAE while awaiting sentencing in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sentencing

More about Sentencing

• [Federal judge bars former Binance CEO from leaving U.S.](Link 1)
• [Changpeng Zhao (CZ) pleads guilty in Binance case](Link 2)
• [Details of CZ’s release order and bail conditions](Link 3)
• [Potential consequences for CZ in the Binance case](Link 4)
• [Binance and CZ’s settlement with U.S. government agencies](Link 5)