Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, said his prison experience was “pretty brutal.” He described the first day as especially harsh and detailed a strip search by prison staff that included checks of his mouth, tongue, and genitals. He also said, “My first roommate is a double murderer,” noting the inmate had been there for about twelve years with 18 years left before being moved to a low-security prison. Zhao’s account portrays a highly challenging entry into incarceration.
Zhao’s pardon has drawn scrutiny, with some onlookers questioning Trump’s motives. He said he still doesn’t know what the pardon process entails and noted that advice from others was to meet Trump personally. The closest he has come is attending Davos for Trump’s “Board of Peace” signing, sitting about 30 to 40 feet away from the president who pardoned him, and he emphasized that he never talked to Trump or shook hands.
Changpeng “CZ” Zhao pleaded guilty to violating anti-money laundering rules in 2023. He served four months in prison in 2024 and was pardoned by President Donald Trump in October 2025.
Leave a Reply