Binance founder Zhao Changpeng (CZ) has been sentenced to four months of imprisonment. It is worth discussing why the judge gave such a light sentence despite the Department of Justice’s recommendation for severe punishment.
Background:
Zhao Changpeng (CZ): Thank you for your concern and support. After serving my sentence, I will focus on the next chapter of my life.
Table of Contents:
Compensation Amount and Cooperation
Influential Support Letters
No Criminal History
Binance founder Zhao Changpeng (CZ) attended a sentencing hearing at the United States District Court in Seattle on May 1st, Taiwan time (April 30th, US time). After several hours of trial, Judge Richard Jones ultimately sentenced him to four months of imprisonment, significantly lower than the Department of Justice’s previous request (prosecutors requested a 36-month sentence).
However, it is worth discussing why he was only sentenced to four months. Currently, according to a detailed analysis of court documents on social media, three key factors played a decisive role in this judgment.
First, CZ’s voluntary surrender is one of the main reasons for his lenient sentence. It is noteworthy that CZ willingly traveled to the United States for trial from the United Arab Emirates, a country without an extradition treaty. This behavior was emphasized multiple times by the defense lawyer during the trial and was repeatedly mentioned in 161 support letters, demonstrating his responsible attitude and respect for US law, as shown by his attitude of “cooperation, cooperation, cooperation.”
Additionally, CZ’s relatively low-profile personal life, including having a son currently attending university, was showcased during the sentencing hearing. His son sat beside his mother and nephew, creating a family scene that portrayed him as someone who values family.
Secondly, the key factor that allowed CZ to quickly reach a settlement and receive a lenient sentence was the agreement made by Binance, which CZ represents, to pay a one-time compensation of up to $4.3 billion. This compensation not only acknowledges his wrongdoing but also demonstrates his willingness to “fully cooperate” with the US government.
Furthermore, the impact of support letters should not be underestimated. Among the 161 letters, many are from important organizations and individuals in the United States who wish to collaborate with him, including representatives from the United Arab Emirates and elites from various fields in the US. These letters not only support CZ but also emphasize his good attitude towards family, career, and reputation, which had a significant influence on the judge’s decision.
During the trial, Judge Jones expressed a deep impression of the support letters for CZ. He mentioned that he spent a weekend carefully reading these letters from friends and family until the folder containing these letters broke due to multiple perusals. The judge stated:
Additionally, CZ’s body language during the sentencing process also sparked discussion. Whenever the judge mentioned CZ’s misconduct, he would lean forward and nod, indicating his acknowledgment of his actions. This is in stark contrast to the case of SBF, as revealed by the judge. SBF’s various behaviors indicate that he has “no remorse” for his actions.
CZ’s clean record and history of cooperation with the government also greatly worked in his favor. Defense lawyer William Burke pointed out that CZ has “no criminal history, no fraud, no other crimes,” which had a significant impact on the judge’s decision.
Taking all these factors into consideration, the judge chose to give CZ a lenient sentence. This also reflects the court’s evaluation of the defendant’s behavior and background, considering not only their negligence but also their efforts towards active correction and the positive support they receive from society.
Related Reports:
CZ Can Buy a Prison! Bloomberg: If Imprisoned, He Will Become the Wealthiest Prisoner in US History, Worth at Least $43 Billion.
CZ’s Sentence Betting Market: Polymarket: 44% Optimistic That Zhao Changpeng Will Only Serve Less Than Six Months in Prison.
The Unknown Side of CZ: Husband, Student, Father, Entrepreneur – 350 Pages of Support Letters Flood the Court.