Ex-Binance CEO Seeks Permission to Depart US Before Sentencing

Changpeng Zhao, the founder and former CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, has asked a judge to allow him to leave the United States ahead of his sentencing for failing to prevent money laundering on his company's platform. Zhao's lawyers argue that he is not a flight risk and should be allowed to return home to his family in the United Arab Emirates. Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange platform, has pleaded guilty to violating multiple charges and agreed to pay over $4 billion in penalties. Zhao faces up to 18 months in prison and has agreed to pay a $150 million penalty to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.