Will Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Go to Prison? - Decrypt

• Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao has agreed to a settlement with federal prosecutors, pleading guilty to violating U.S. anti-money-laundering laws.
• There is a possibility that both Sam Bankman-Fried and Changpeng Zhao, the two wealthiest men in crypto's history, could end up in prison.
• Violations of the Bank Secrecy Act carry a maximum prison sentence of five years, but there are indications that Zhao may not receive the maximum penalty.
• Zhao will have to resign as CEO of Binance but can retain majority ownership of the exchange.
• The Justice Department may seek an 18-month sentence for Zhao, but past cases have shown that requests for substantial prison sentences have been rejected.
• Zhao has no prior criminal record and may receive a similar arrangement to Arthur Hayes, involving probation and potentially house arrest.
• Zhao has expressed plans for a vacation and passive investing in blockchain, DeFi, AI, and biotech startups.

The article presents a potentially negative situation for Changpeng Zhao, as he pleads guilty to violating anti-money-laundering laws. However, there are indications that he may not receive the maximum penalty, and past cases have shown leniency in sentencing. Zhao's future plans indicate a positive outlook.