Crypto community reacts to Changpeng Zhao’s 4-month sentence

On April 30, Judge Richard Jones sentenced Zhao to four months in prison, going against the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recommendation for a three-year sentence.

London-based financial services lawyer Rabya Anwar told crypto.news that the stories of Zhao and FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried “have become interconnected” since the US government took action against both within a short period of time. She explained it this way:

“Zhao may have mentored Bankman-Fried in the past before their relationship broke down, but the way these two industry leaders ran their respective businesses was worlds apart. Bankman-Fried was accused of fraud, including the misuse of customers’ funds, which some may describe as theft. Whereas Zhao’s case focuses more on the effectiveness of anti-money laundering controls.”

Award-winning financial services attorney Atty. Rabya Anwar told crypto.news:

A number of factors influenced the difference in the sentences given to these two men. Anwar points out “the difference in the nature of their behavior and, furthermore, the damaging and lasting impact of the FTX scandal on innocent members of the public.”

In addition, many crypto communities on X have been sharing the number “4” since Zhao’s sentence was announced; it’s a signal and viral meme that Zhao developed in 2023 to raise awareness about the four core principles behind Binance.

I’ll try to keep it simple for 2023. Spend more time on fewer things. Do’s and don’ts.

1. Education
2. Compatibility
3. Product and Service

4. Prevent FUD, fake news, attacks, etc. ignore it.

I would appreciate it if you could link to this post when I tweet “4” in the future. 🙏

— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) January 2, 2023

Autism Capital says Zhao “literally mimicked his prison sentence.”

CZ is truly the best to do this. Unlike Sam, he didn’t lose anyone’s money. He is still a hero to everyone. He literally brought his prison sentence to life. He spends 4 months in the easiest camp prison, playing pickleball and meditating. He took 47 billion dollars and left 👏🏼

— Autism Capital 🧩 (@AutismCapital) 30 April 2024

Shortly after the sentence was handed down, Zhao sent He said he would complete his prison term and “focus on the next chapter” of his life, pointing to “education.”

Cryptocurrency phenomenon Crypto Patel also supported Zhao, saying “he is not a criminal.” He added that Zhao is “an innovator” and “believes in a future powered by crypto.”

Standing with Changpeng Zhao ( @cz_binance )

Yesterday was a tough day because #CZ A true visionary and founder of Binance faces punishment.

CZ is not just a leader; He is a passionate advocate for the transformative potential of cryptocurrency.
He believes in the future… pic.twitter.com/kxKdhwseJH

— Krypto Patel (@CryptoPatel) May 1, 2024

Another X user named RobinTheFarmer noted Zhao’s support for Terra (LUNA) and Luna Classic (LUNC) and its community.

Oh my god.. I’m so happy for CZ.. I know four months is a long time away from her family, but this is so much better than it could have been.. and the irony of it being a “4”. Even the judge was indirectly supporting CZ in his sentencing.. we all know he fell on his sword… pic.twitter.com/OmCEkwAwDS

— RobinTheFarmer.BNB (@RobinTheFarmer) 30 April 2024