US Court Denies Zhao Changpeng's Return to UAE, CZ Must Await Sentencing in the US

According to a report by Bloomberg, a U.S. federal judge has denied former Binance CEO Zhao Changpeng CZ's request to return to the United Arab Emirates due to the risk of potential flight, ordering him to remain in the United States during his sentencing scheduled for February next year.

Refusal for CZ to Return to Dubai

After a U.S. federal judge reviewed the bail order yesterday, it was decided to prohibit Binance founder CZ from leaving the country and he must remain within the U.S. until his sentencing on February 23, 2024.

Reason: No Clear Evidence to Ensure No Flight Risk

The court believed that the defendant did not provide clear evidence to prove that his return to the UAE would not pose a risk of flight.

• Judge Richard Jones of the Seattle court stated, "The defendant has substantial wealth and assets overseas, and appears to be quite popular there. If CZ changes his mind, there would be no means to ensure that he could return to the U.S. in February to accept his sentence."
• On the other hand, the bail conditions allow CZ to move freely within the U.S. and permit visits from family, which the judge believes pose minimal burden on the defendant's freedom.
• Finally, the court noted that CZ currently holds bonds worth $175 million primarily composed of assets beyond government control, which also presents a significant uncontrollable risk.

Based on the above reasons, the court approved the prosecutor's motion, ordering CZ to remain on the mainland U.S. from the time of pleading guilty until sentencing.