Former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has contested the U.S. Department of
Justice’s assertions that he is a flight risk and may not return before his sentencing next year.
Former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has opposed the United States government’s
efforts to block his return to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to be with his family while awaiting sentencing following his guilty plea.
In a court filing on November 23, Zhao’s lawyers urged a US District judge to reject the proposed
alteration of his bail conditions, as put forth by the U.S. Department of Justice
It was further reiterated that Zhao should be granted permission to leave the U.S. and return
to the UAE until his sentencing in February 2024.
The lawyers firmly stated that he has no intention of staying in UAE to evade his sentencing date, despite the potential 18-month prison term.
“As Judge Tsuchida found, all the facts and circumstances amply demonstrate that Mr. Zhao poses no
risk of flight and should be permitted to reside at home with his family in the UAE pending sentencing.
The government’s motion should be denied.”
Furthermore, Zhao’s lawyers argued that he has taken responsibility for his actions by flying over from the UAE to the U.S.
“His intent is to resolve this case and it would be illogical to take all of these material steps without
the intent to appear for sentencing,” the filing noted.
On November 22, U.S. prosecutors submitted a court filing, contending that Zhao should be restricted
from leaving the United States due to the perceived flight risk.
The DoJ asserts that if Zhao chooses not to return for sentencing from the UAE, ensuring his return
would pose challenges for the government.
