ChainCatcher news, according to Bloomberg, Binance's former leader and co-founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has been released two days earlier than originally planned.A spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Prisons declined to provide specific information regarding CZ's release.The U.S. Department of Justice had requested to extend CZ's sentence to 36 months, as they accused CZ of willfully violating the law for the benefit of the company and himself. On the other hand, CZ's lawyer stated that CZ has taken responsibility and "deeply regrets" his crimes, requesting the court to impose probation.

ChainCatcher message, which was previously reported to be released on September 29, 2024. Now, there are only about 4 weeks left until CZ's release.

ChainCatcher news, according to CoinDesk, Binance CEO Richard Teng urged the Nigerian government to release detained American executive Tigran Gambaryan.Gambaryan has been held in Nigeria since February, facing charges of money laundering. His health has severely deteriorated, suffering from malaria, double pneumonia, and other complications, and he is even unable to walk. Teng stated that Gambaryan urgently needs medical treatment, with the primary goal being to ensure his safe return home.Gambaryan previously traveled to Nigeria voluntarily at the invitation of the Nigerian government but was subsequently accused of money laundering and imprisoned in the notorious Kuje prison.

ChainCatcher news, according to Nigerian media The Punch, the Nigerian House of Representatives Financial Crimes Committee has summoned Binance Holdings Limited CEO Richard Teng over allegations of terrorism financing and money laundering.On Friday, the committee's chairman Ginger Onwusibe issued a 7-day ultimatum to the management of Binance Holdings Limited during a panel, requiring them to attend a committee meeting on or before March 4, 2024.Ginger Onwusibe warned that if Binance Holdings fails to comply with the summons, the committee will be forced to invoke the powers granted to it by the constitution to take appropriate measures.Previously, the committee called for a hearing with the Managing Director of Binance through a letter dated December 12, 2023, signed by Chairman Onwusibe, with the hearing scheduled for December 18, 2023.

ChainCatcher news, according to documents from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Seattle, Judge Richard Jones has accepted the guilty plea of former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao. Zhao pleaded guilty to charges of anti-money laundering violations and sanctions violations, concluding a case that followed years of investigation by federal regulatory agencies.Currently, Binance has agreed to pay $4.3 billion, and Zhao has agreed to pay a $50 million fine and resign from his position as CEO.

ChainCatcher news, according to Forbes, Richard Teng is seen as a potential candidate for the CEO of Binance. Previously, ChainCatcher reported in May this year that Zhao Changpeng appointed Richard Teng as the head of all regional markets outside the United States. Richard Teng has held senior positions in the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Singapore Exchange, and Abu Dhabi International Free Trade Zone. He joined Binance in May 2021, focusing on supporting Binance's growth in a compliant and sustainable manner.Earlier, ChainCatcher reported that U.S. regulators would impose a $4.3 billion fine on Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, today. Founder Zhao Changpeng agreed to resign and plead guilty, and will not be allowed to hold an executive position at Binance, although he will retain a majority stake in Binance.

According to ChainCatcher, citing sources familiar with the matter, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao attempted to shut down Binance's U.S. branch, Binance.US, earlier this year to protect the overall interests of Binance.One of the sources stated that the Binance.US board, chaired by Zhao, voted on whether to liquidate the company but failed to obtain the necessary unanimous support. The source mentioned that Binance.US CEO Brian Shroder was the only one who opposed this decision, as he was concerned that a sudden shutdown could force customers of the U.S. exchange to quickly transfer or liquidate their cryptocurrencies, thereby harming their interests.