
CZ is accused by the WSJ of agreeing to provide evidence against Justin Sun as part of his DOJ plea deal, which he denies.
Binance is attempting to rebuild its U.S. standing, including efforts to remove its DOJ-mandated monitor and aligning with Trump-linked crypto ventures.
The situation involves multiple powerful figures and organizations, including CZ, Justin Sun, the Trump family, and the DOJ.
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao
Changpeng Zhao Changpeng Zhao is a well-known Chinese Canadian entrepreneur who is also known to be the founder of Binance, established in 2017 alongside Yi He, It is the biggest cryptocurrency exchange in the world based on trading sector and volume. Before this, CZ served as the Head of Development at Blockchain.info and later worked at OKCoin as the Chief Technology Officer. Under CZ’s leadership, Binance launched an ICO( initial coin offering ) that was able to successfully raise $15 million and rapidly became the largest exchange within a few months. Changpeng has always been an advocate for decentralized finance and blockchain Technology. Changpeng is a top blockchain speaker to is actively initiating contributions in the development of the rapidly growing crypto and blockchain space, where he recently attended the Token2049 Singapore event to share his insights on the tech.
Personal Details:Born: 1977Organization: BinanceLocation: UAEEducation: Changpeng graduated with a BSc. A degree in computer science from McGill University
Experience: CEO of Binance from Jul 2017 to Nov 2023
Founder- Bijie Tech from Sep 2015 to Jul 2017
Head of Development - Blockchain from 2013 to 2014
Partner - Fusion Systems from Nov 2005 to Dec 2013
Head of Trade Book Futures Development- Bloomberg from 2001 to 2005 EntrepreneurInvestorChief Executive Officer , better known as CZ, is back in the crypto spotlightโthis time, at the center of a fresh controversy. A new Wall Street Journal report claims CZ agreed to provide evidence against Tron founder Justin Sun
Justin Sun Justin Sun is a popular figure in the crypto sector and a former diplomat and entrepreneur. He is the creator of the TRON blockchain DAO framework and holds a significant position within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. He represented Grenada at in Geneva at WTO. Furthermore, he provides mentorship to BitTorrent, Animoca, Poloniex, and various blockchain initiatives. In 2024, he contributed $30 million to World Liberty Financial a cryptocurrency venture.
Quick Facts Full Name
Justin Sun Birth
30-07-1990 in Xining, Qinghai, China Nationality
Chinese, Grenadian Education
Peking University, University of Pennsylvania Marital Status
Unmarried as of 2025 Net Worth
$2B estimated
Experience Founded the TRON organization in the year 2017.
Acquired BitTorrent sharing with the TRON ecosystem in the year 2018..
Launched TRON's main net in the year 2018.
Attained significant sales of TRX tokens in the year 2018.
Initiated a strategic partnership to grow TRON in the year 2019.
Advanced TRON with innovative projects in the year 2020.
Recognized by Forbes in the crypto space in the year 2021.
Expands TRON with NFT, DeFi, and Web3 initiatives in the year 2022.
Advanced innovation to strengthen TRON's position as a leader in the year 2023.
Invested $30 M in World Liberty Financial, a crypto initiative in the year 2024. EntrepreneurInvestorCrypto and Blockchain ExpertChief Executive Officer as part of his plea deal with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Itโs a surprising twist, especially considering the close ties between the two crypto heavyweights.
While CZ hasnโt responded directly to the accusation, heโs already calling out the WSJ for what he describes as yet another โbaselessโ attack.
CZ Pushes Back on WSJ: No Basis Again?
On April 11, CZ posted on X, accusing the WSJ of targeting him once more โwithout any basis.โ This is the latest chapter in a series of disputes between Zhao and the publication. Just last month, the WSJ reported that Binance was pursuing a partnership with a Trump-linked crypto venture and seeking a presidential pardon for CZโclaims he called โpure fabrication.”
Now, with the DOJ reportedly involved, the tension has escalated. According to the WSJ, CZ allegedly agreed to give U.S. prosecutors information about Justin Sun, who is currently under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Justin Sun Responds
Justin Sun didnโt stay silent. He called the claims against CZ โbaselessโ and stood by him publicly, referring to Zhao as both a mentor and a close friend. Sun also said that the Tron Foundation maintains clear and honest communication with the DOJ. He praised President Donald Trumpโs approach to crypto and said he remains confident in the U.S. market.
Binance Eyes U.S. Comeback
This latest controversy comes at a time when Binance is trying to restore its standing in the United States. The companyโs leadership, including current CEO Richard Teng, recently met with Treasury officials. Their goal: to reduce or remove the independent monitor thatโs been overseeing Binanceโs anti-money-laundering practices.
That monitor was part of a $4.3 billion settlement Binance agreed to in 2023, following a guilty plea for allowing illegal financial activity on its platform.
Reports also suggest Binance is getting closer to ventures linked to Donald Trump, particularly a stablecoin called USD1 issued by World Liberty Financial. The token is strongly supported by both Justin Sun and the Trump family. If Binance lists it, the coin could generate major profits – and possibly help pave the way for a presidential pardon for CZ under a new administration.
Whatโs Next for CZ and Binance?
As the U.S. shifts its crypto enforcement approach under Trumpโs leadershipโincluding a pause on DOJ monitorshipsโBinance seems to be positioning itself for a return to the American market. Even though CZ served a short prison sentence, heโs still a key figure in the companyโs future.
While he denies any connection to World Liberty Financial, insiders believe that CZโs long-time relationships in the crypto space could play a big role in Binanceโs next moves.
With major players like Justin Sun, the Trump family, and U.S. regulators involved, the future of CZโand Binanceโs comeback in the U.S.โis still up in the air.
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