Binance founder CZ Zhao asked Trump to pardon money laundering conviction

May 08 2025 crypto


Changpeng Zhao has confirmed that he sought a pardon from Donald Trump for his money laundering conviction, reversing his earlier denial of reports that he had made the request.

Binance founder and convicted felon Changpeng Zhao says that he applied for a pardon from US President Donald Trump shortly after denying reports that he was seeking one.

Zhao, also known as CZ, said on a Farokh Radio podcast episode aired May 6 that he “wouldn’t mind” a pardon and that his lawyers have already filed the paperwork on his behalf

“I got lawyers applying,” Zhao said, adding that he submitted the request after Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal reported in March that he was seeking a pardon from Trump amid discussions of a business deal between the Trump family and Binance.US.

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