First voice after returning to freedom, firmly distancing from SBF.
Binance founder Zhao Changpeng (CZ) recently concluded his 4-month sentence in a California prison and held a public appearance event at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Supporters at the scene rushed to take photos with him, with some shouting 'He is a martyr' and others cheering 'The king has returned!' Facing comparisons with FTX founder SBF, CZ firmly stated:
'It's like comparing someone who misappropriated funds with someone who has an unregistered company; it's simply an insult.'
Prosecutors initially recommended a 3-year sentence for CZ, hoping to set a precedent, but due to his active cooperation with the investigation, he ultimately received a lighter sentence. Nevertheless, this prison life was far from smooth sailing. Before entering prison, CZ specifically consulted a prison advisor who recommended he maintain a low profile and strictly control his daily expenses to avoid unnecessary trouble.
From prison to freedom, embarking on a new chapter in society.
During his incarceration, CZ became the richest prisoner in U.S. history. He lived a life vastly different from his past in the Lompoc II low-security prison in Santa Barbara County, California. This 'ketogenic dieter', accustomed to a diet rich in proteins and vegetables, had to accept meals primarily consisting of starch with low protein content, occasionally accompanied by canned foods similar to luncheon meat and fried fish. CZ admitted:
'I usually follow a ketogenic diet, eating only protein and vegetables, but that's simply impossible there.'
During his prison life, he spent 90 minutes every day working out in the outdoor gym while also dedicating time to writing. Notably, CZ befriended a bank robber serving a 25-year sentence who was passionate about cryptocurrency and became his workout partner. After his release, CZ is working hard to find a pro bono lawyer for this inmate, hoping to assist in reducing the sentence, showcasing his commitment to giving back to society.
Saying goodbye to Binance, stepping into a new investment industry.
According to a plea agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, CZ has officially resigned as CEO of Binance and transitioned to a 'passive investor'. Binance was also fined $4.3 billion for failing to implement sufficient anti-money laundering measures. Although CZ remains the largest shareholder of Binance, he stated that the company's leadership team 'rarely consults' him. After his resignation, former Abu Dhabi regulatory official Richard Teng took over as CEO, leading Binance into a new era.
Notably, CZ's previous investment decisions have also sparked discussions. He invested $500 million to support Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter (now renamed X). Despite X's market value significantly declining under Musk's reforms, CZ remains optimistic, emphasizing: 'We are very long-term investors.' Regarding changes on platform X since Musk took over, he remarked: 'Everything has become faster since Musk took over, with new features and a much quicker pace of change.'
Looking ahead, this cryptocurrency tycoon with a net worth of nearly $53 billion is extending his investment reach into the artificial intelligence and biotechnology industries and plans to launch a nonprofit educational application, Giggle Academy. When discussing his relationship with Binance, CZ likened it to raising a child: 'Just like a child, once they grow up, they don’t need to rely on me anymore.' Although he stated that he still has an 'emotional connection' to Binance, he also clearly indicated that his direct relationship with Binance has come to an end.
If you missed out on the market, you should take responsibility!
Moreover, with Bitcoin officially entering the 80,000 range, many online users expressed regret about missing the boat. CZ also posted on platform X, directly pointing out those who never believed in Bitcoin's future potential and listened to Bitcoin skeptics, holding them responsible for missing the opportunity. As Bitcoin prices reached a new high of 90,030, CZ shared the 'Famous Bitcoin Skeptics Database', emphasizing: 'If you ever believed these people... then you can only blame yourself.'
Source: X CZ stated that those who do not believe in Bitcoin's potential can only blame themselves.
This statement sparked heated discussions in the community. CryptoQuant founder Ki Young Ju even shared CZ's post from 2019: 'If you sold Bitcoin below 10,000, you should slap yourself!' and stated that CZ is still the CZ we miss. This also proves that although CZ has stepped back, his influence in the cryptocurrency community remains significant.
[Disclaimer] The market has risks; investment should be cautious. This article does not constitute investment advice, and users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions herein align with their specific circumstances. Invest at your own risk.
'CZ was heavily criticized after his release! Zhao Changpeng: Don't compare me to SBF, it's an insult.' This article was first published in 'Crypto City'.
