Reuters reports US regulators are considering criminal charges against top Binance executives, Binance responds: Misleading reporting

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Reuters: US Department of Justice Considers Charging Binance

Reuters reported, citing sources, that prosecutors at the US Department of Justice have been investigating Binance, the cryptocurrency exchange, for potential violations of anti-money laundering and sanctions regulations in the United States since 2018. Sources revealed that at least six of the prosecutors involved in the case believe they have gathered enough evidence to immediately bring criminal charges against several top executives, including founder Changpeng Zhao.

The alleged crimes under investigation include unauthorized money transfers, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and violations of criminal sanctions. However, sources added that some prosecutors believe the timing is not right and more time is needed to review and collect additional evidence. This indicates that the US Department of Justice has not made a final decision on charges, and the case may ultimately be resolved through negotiations, a settlement, or closed without any action taken.

The report also noted that lawyers from Gibson Dunn, the law firm representing Binance in the United States, have recently held discussions with Department of Justice officials. According to three sources, the discussions included potential plea agreements. When asked for a comment on the matter, a Binance spokesperson told Reuters:

"We are unaware of the internal workings of the US Department of Justice, and even if we were, it would be inappropriate to comment."

Binance Responds Immediately with a Statement

In response to Reuters' report, Binance promptly issued a press release countering the claims made by Reuters. Binance emphasized in the press release that the company has significantly expanded its compliance efforts this year and has responded to over 47,000 law enforcement requests since November 2021. The company has invested substantial resources in compliance, and the Reuters report is seen as another inaccurate attack on Binance's security and compliance team.

Reuters has it wrong again.

Now they're attacking our incredible law enforcement team. A team that we're incredibly proud of – they've made crypto more secure for all of us.

Here’s the full statement we sent the reporter and a blog about our remarkable law enforcement team.

— Binance (@binance) December 12, 2022

This article is authorized for reposting from Zombit Info

Additional note: Binance founder Changpeng Zhao even remarked that it seems some media are still serving... services.

smh, some media are still working for …

— CZ 🔶 Binance (@cz_binance) December 12, 2022