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Founder of Binance, world’s largest crypto firm, sentenced to four months

Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty to violating US anti-money-laundering requirements

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao arrives at court in Seattle for his sentencing.
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao arrives at court in Seattle for his sentencing. Photo: deborah bloom/Reuters

SEATTLE — Billionaire Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, the world’s biggest crypto exchange, was sentenced 30 April to four months in prison, a lighter punishment than requested by prosecutors who hoped to send a message about crime in the industry.

“You had a responsibility to comply with US regulations. Not some but all,” US district judge Richard A. Jones said. “You failed at that opportunity.” 

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