Binance’s CZ Denies Allegations of Informing on Justin Sun in DOJ Case
Debashree Patra12 Apr 20256 min read
Binance founder , better known as CZ, is back in the crypto spotlight—this time, at the center of a fresh controversy. A new Wall Street Journal report claims CZ agreed to provide evidence against Tron founder as part of his plea deal with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). It’s a surprising twist, especially considering …
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao Changpeng Zhao at Binance Changpeng Zhao, often known as CZ, is a Chinese-Canadian entrepreneur who co-founded Binance, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume. He was born in 1977 in Jiangsu, China, and later relocated to Canada with his family. CZ studied computer science at McGill University in Montreal. In the early stage of his career, he worked in financial trading technology. He built trading systems for major platforms such as Bloomberg and the Tokyo Stock Exchange, gaining strong experience in high-speed trading infrastructure. Quick Facts: Field Details Full Name Changpeng Zhao Popular Name CZ Birth 1977, Jiangsu, China Nationality Chinese-Canadian Education Computer Science, McGill University Known For Co-founder of Binance Industry Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, Fintech Career Overview: CZ joined the cryptocurrency sector in 2013. During his early years, he worked for Bitcoin websites like Blockchain.com and OKCoin. In 2017, he co-founded Binance. The exchange debuted in July of that year and rapidly became the top cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. Binance has grown far beyond traditional cryptocurrency trading over the years. The platform currently offers derivatives trading, staking services, and its own blockchain network called BNB Chain. Timeline of Events: 2010 - Worked in financial trading technology, gaining experience in high-frequency trading systems. 2015 - Founded BijieTech, a company focused on crypto-mining software. 2017 - Co-founded Binance and launched the exchange in July. 2021 - Binance expanded globally but withdrew its exchange application in Singapore due to regulatory challenges. 2022 - Binance invested $500 million in Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter. 2023 - Binance faced growing regulatory scrutiny across multiple regions. 2024 - Appointed strategic advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council by the Ministry of Finance. 2025 - Became an advisor to Sadyr Japarov on digital-asset development in Kyrgyzstan. Notable Work & Achievements of Changpeng Zhao: Year Achievement Details 2018 Forbes Crypto Rich List Listed among the richest people in crypto with an estimated net worth of around $1–2 billion 2019 Binance.US Launch Binance expanded to the U.S. with a separate regulated platform 2022 Twitter Acquisition Investment Binance participated in financing Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter 2024 Pakistan Crypto Council Advisor Helped guide national discussions on crypto regulation 2025 Kyrgyzstan Digital Asset Advisor Advised the Kyrgyz government on blockchain and digital-asset development EntrepreneurInvestorChief Executive Officer , better known as CZ, is back in the crypto spotlight—this time, at the center of a fresh controversy. A new Wall Street Journal report claims CZ agreed to provide evidence against Tron founder Justin Sun Justin Sun at thorchain Justin Sun is a popular figure in the crypto sector and a former diplomat and entrepreneur. He is the creator of the TRON blockchain DAO framework and holds a significant position within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. He represented Grenada at in Geneva at WTO. Furthermore, he provides mentorship to BitTorrent, Animoca, Poloniex, and various blockchain initiatives. In 2024, he contributed $30 million to World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency venture. Quick Facts Full Name Justin Sun Birth 30-07-1990 in Xining, Qinghai, China Nationality Chinese, Grenadian Education Peking University, University of Pennsylvania Marital Status Unmarried as of 2025 Net Worth $2B estimated Experience Founded the TRON organization in the year 2017. Acquired BitTorrent sharing with the TRON ecosystem in the year 2018.. Launched TRON's main net in the year 2018. Attained significant sales of TRX tokens in the year 2018. Initiated a strategic partnership to grow TRON in the year 2019. Advanced TRON with innovative projects in the year 2020. Recognized by Forbes in the crypto space in the year 2021. Expands TRON with NFT, DeFi, and Web3 initiatives in the year 2022. Advanced innovation to strengthen TRON's position as a leader in the year 2023. Invested $30 M in World Liberty Financial, a crypto initiative in the year 2024. EntrepreneurInvestorCrypto and Blockchain ExpertChief Executive Officer as part of his plea deal with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). It’s a surprising twist, especially considering the close ties between the two crypto heavyweights.
While CZ hasn’t responded directly to the accusation, he’s already calling out the WSJ for what he describes as yet another “baseless” attack.
CZ Pushes Back on WSJ: No Basis Again?
On April 11, CZ posted on X, accusing the WSJ of targeting him once more “without any basis.” This is the latest chapter in a series of disputes between Zhao and the publication. Just last month, the WSJ reported that Binance was pursuing a partnership with a Trump-linked crypto venture and seeking a presidential pardon for CZ—claims he called “pure fabrication.”
Now, with the DOJ reportedly involved, the tension has escalated. According to the WSJ, CZ allegedly agreed to give U.S. prosecutors information about Justin Sun, who is currently under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Justin Sun Responds
Justin Sun didn’t stay silent. He called the claims against CZ “baseless” and stood by him publicly, referring to Zhao as both a mentor and a close friend. Sun also said that the Tron Foundation maintains clear and honest communication with the DOJ. He praised President Donald Trump’s approach to crypto and said he remains confident in the U.S. market.
Binance Eyes U.S. Comeback
This latest controversy comes at a time when Binance is trying to restore its standing in the United States. The company’s leadership, including current CEO Richard Teng, recently met with Treasury officials. Their goal: to reduce or remove the independent monitor that’s been overseeing Binance’s anti-money-laundering practices.
That monitor was part of a $4.3 billion settlement Binance agreed to in 2023, following a guilty plea for allowing illegal financial activity on its platform.
Reports also suggest Binance is getting closer to ventures linked to Donald Trump, particularly a stablecoin called USD1 issued by World Liberty Financial. The token is strongly supported by both Justin Sun and the Trump family. If Binance lists it, the coin could generate major profits – and possibly help pave the way for a presidential pardon for CZ under a new administration.
What’s Next for CZ and Binance?
As the U.S. shifts its crypto enforcement approach under Trump’s leadership—including a pause on DOJ monitorships—Binance seems to be positioning itself for a return to the American market. Even though CZ served a short prison sentence, he’s still a key figure in the company’s future.
While he denies any connection to World Liberty Financial, insiders believe that CZ’s long-time relationships in the crypto space could play a big role in Binance’s next moves.
With major players like Justin Sun, the Trump family, and U.S. regulators involved, the future of CZ—and Binance’s comeback in the U.S.—is still up in the air.
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