Prior to this, the U.S. Department of Justice claimed that former Binance CEO Zhao Changpeng was a flight risk, requesting the judge to revoke the original bail conditions allowing Zhao to return to the United Arab Emirates, and to keep him in the United States until the sentencing hearing in February. In response to this, Zhao’s defense lawyer objected, stating that he had already paid a substantial amount of bail and voluntarily came to the United States to take responsibility for his actions, proving that he had no intention of fleeing.
However, according to Reuters, U.S. District Judge Richard Jones agreed with the U.S. Department of Justice’s argument, ruling that former Binance CEO Zhao Changpeng must remain on the U.S. mainland before being sentenced for violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws.
Under the bail conditions, Zhao Changpeng must stay in the United States but is allowed to travel and move freely within the country. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 23, 2024.