The Trump White House is reportedly weighing a controversial pardon for Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the Binance founder who was convicted on federal money laundering charges just last year and served time in prison.
The reports, sourced from individuals close to Zhao, claim the administration believes the case was “weak.” However, this perspective contrasts with the Justice Department’s successful prosecution, which resulted in a guilty plea. A pardon would potentially allow CZ to reassume a leadership position at the world’s largest crypto exchange.
This consideration comes amid a series of contentious pardons for high-profile financial and cybercrime figures, including the founders of BitMEX and Silk Road’s Ross Ulbricht, raising questions about the administration’s standards for clemency. Zhao has not denied the recent pardon rumors.
