Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) confirmed that he applied for a pardon from Donald Trump for his money laundering conviction, despite earlier denials. Speaking on a podcast, Zhao revealed that he had his lawyers file the necessary paperwork shortly after media reports in March suggested he was seeking a pardon amid discussions of a potential business deal with the Trump family. Zhao expressed that no felon would mind a pardon, highlighting his unique status as the only person in U.S. history to serve prison time for a related charge. Zhao pleaded guilty to money laundering in November 2023 and received a four-month prison sentence along with a prohibition on working at Binance. Although a pardon would not erase his conviction, it might allow him to resume a management role at Binance.U.S. Since leaving prison, Zhao has taken on advisory roles related to cryptocurrency regulation and blockchain solutions but has stated he has no plans to return as the Binance CEO, believing the team is thriving without him.

Source 🔗