The major cryptocurrency enforcement conference has begun, attended by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco, and CFTC Chairman Rostin Behnam.
Here are the important highlights from the live conference (will be updated as the conference continues):
- The US Department of Justice reported that Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty to criminal charges.
- Binance Holdings pleads guilty, agrees to pay over $4 billion to US authorities.
- According to the US Department of Justice, Binance allowed transactions with ISIS, Al Qaeda and Hamas.
- Binance and Zhao have made incredible profits from breaking federal laws.
- Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao came to the USA and surrendered.
- Binance also allowed transactions with Iran, Cuba and Syria, according to the US Department of Justice.
- Yellen: We are taking the largest sanctions action in the history of the US Treasury Department.
- Binance will report all suspicious transactions to US authorities, which it has insisted on not reporting until now.
- The supervisory authority will have access to all transactions of Binance.
- Yellen: Additional penalties may be imposed on Binance.
- We are also sending a message to the entire virtual asset world. Virtual asset exchanges must play by the rules, otherwise US authorities will step in.
- Assistant Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco: If you serve U.S. customers, you must comply with U.S. law.
- CFTC Chairman: Former Binance compliance officer Samuel Lim agreed to pay $1.5 million for willful violation of US laws and other violations. Former CEO CZ was fined $50 million.
- Attorney General Merrick B. Garland: Between August 2017 and April 2022, approximately $106 million in bitcoin was transferred directly from Hydra to Binance.com wallets. Hydra was a popular Russian darknet marketplace frequently used by criminals and enabling the sale of illegal goods and services.
Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao agreed to pay a $50 million fine and resign as CEO. However, Zhao will continue to own all shares in the company.
The news will be constantly updated…
*This is not investment advice.