In an unexpected turn, former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, facing a potential three-year prison sentence, exposed more than just his legal defense strategy.
Over 160 individuals, ranging from friends and family to colleagues and customers, submitted letters of support to a Seattle court, aiming to influence the judge overseeing Zhao’s case. This move shed light on Zhao’s previously private personal and professional circles. Details that were once concealed, such as the identity of Zhao’s wife and youngest son, emerged alongside accounts of poker nights, intimate gatherings, and social events. It remains unclear whether contributors were aware of the potential public disclosure of their letters.
In November, Zhao admitted to failures in anti-money laundering efforts, while Binance confessed to additional offenses and consented to a $4.3 billion penalty.
Among the contributors were notable figures from Binance’s leadership, including chair Gabriel Abed, CTO Rohit Wad, and general counsel Eleanor Hughes. However, some key figures, like Zhao’s successor Richard Teng and chief compliance officer Noah Perlman, refrained from participating.
Ronghui Gu, co-founder of CertiK and an associate professor at Columbia University, stated later that he was unaware his letter would be made public:
The letters not only portrayed Zhao’s character but also provided insights into the personalities of the authors themselves. Richmond Teo, co-founder of Paxos, recounted a personal experience where Zhao intervened to defuse a tense situation during a party.
Other contributors, ranging from individuals in various professions to Zhao’s personal bodyguard, depicted him as approachable and compassionate, challenging the prosecution’s portrayal of him as a calculating executive.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Zhao’s supporters continue to paint a picture of him as a relatable and caring individual, shedding light on his personal and professional dynamics.
