President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto actions have undoubtedly changed the landscape of cryptocurrency regulation and enforcement. His recent pardons of prominent figures within the crypto community have sparked hope among others who are seeking relief from their legal troubles. Let’s explore some of the notable personalities who are currently petitioning President Trump for a pardon.
Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the founder and former CEO of Binance, recently revealed in an interview with Decrypt’s sister company Rug Radio that he has lawyers working on applying for a pardon on his behalf. Despite rumors suggesting that he was considering exchanging Binance.US equity for a pardon, Zhao clarified that these claims were untrue. He is taking the legal route to seek a pardon and expressed his willingness to receive one if granted.
Another key figure seeking a pardon is Sam Bankman-Fried, also known as SBF, the co-founder and former CEO of FTX. Reports indicate that SBF’s parents and Stanford Law Professors are actively campaigning for a pardon on his behalf. SBF was charged with fraud and conspiracy, ultimately receiving a 25-year prison sentence for his involvement in the collapse of FTX. He is currently appealing the verdict.
Roger “Bitcoin Jesus” Ver, a prominent early investor in Bitcoin and co-founder of the Bitcoin Foundation, made a public plea to President Trump for a pardon in a video posted on social media. Facing charges of tax evasion and a federal indictment alleging he evaded nearly $50 million in taxes, Ver’s situation is complicated by his renouncement of U.S. citizenship. Despite his efforts to secure a pardon through lobbying and legal tactics, the outcome remains uncertain.
Jobadiah “Joby” Weeks, a lesser-known figure in the crypto world, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in connection to the BitClub Ponzi scheme. This scheme defrauded investors of $722 million by falsely promising returns from mining operations. While Weeks has not explicitly requested a pardon, he expressed his desire for Trump to intervene in his case. He has chosen to represent himself and seek a dismissal of his charges since Trump took office.
As these individuals navigate their legal challenges and seek clemency from President Trump, the outcome remains uncertain. Their stories highlight the complexities of navigating the intersection of cryptocurrency, legal issues, and political influence. Stay tuned for updates on their efforts to secure pardons and the broader implications for the crypto community.