Binance News: Terrorism Victims Sue DOJ for $4.3B Settlement

This is a true shocker. Four individuals connected to victims of state-sponsored terrorism have taken legal action against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Their goal? To ensure that the massive $4.3 billion settlement with cryptocurrency giant Binance is allocated to the Victims ofState Sponsored Terrorism Fund, as intended. These plaintiffs are demanding transparency and accountability to secure much-needed resources for those affected by brutal acts of violence.

Let’s dive into this gripping case that could reshape justice for countless victims.

Demanding Justice and Accountability

Filed in a Washington, D.C. federal court, the lawsuit accuses the DOJ of failing to deposit the correct share of criminal and civil proceeds from the Binance case into the victims’ fund. According to the Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act, 100% of criminal proceeds and 75% of civil proceeds from such cases must be allocated to this fund.

However, the plaintiffs claim that only $898.6 million has been deposited so far. Meanwhile, the DOJ allegedly plans to direct at least $1.5 billion from the Binance settlement into a separate fund for crime victims—an action the plaintiffs argue is illegal.

High Stakes at Hand!

In their lawsuit, the plaintiffs demand a court order requiring the DOJ to deposit all qualifying proceeds from the Binance settlement into the Victims Fund. The case also names several high-profile defendants, including the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, and various agencies within the Treasury Department, such as the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Binance’s Violations: A Closer Look

Binance, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to multiple violations, including breaching U.S. sanctions and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. As part of the settlement, Binance agreed to pay over $4.3 billion in fines and forfeitures. This legal battle also saw former CEO Changpeng Zhao plead guilty to a felony related to the Bank Secrecy Act. Zhao is set to be released soon, having served a four-month prison sentence.

The Fight for Victims’ Rights

This lawsuit sheds light on the broader struggle for justice and financial support faced by victims of state-sponsored terrorism. By challenging the DOJ, the plaintiffs aim to ensure that funds from high-profile settlements like Binance’s are directed to those most in need—those who have suffered at the hands of violent regimes. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent, not just for the victims of terrorism but also for the treatment of settlement funds in the cryptocurrency space.

Can this lawsuit spark real change for victims’ funds in crypto settlements? The stakes are high, and the decision could have far-reaching consequences. Stay tuned.