CZ Shuts Down ‘Fed Spy’ Rumors, Slams Chinese Influencers for Misinformation
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has firmly rejected wild conspiracy theories circulating on Chinese social media, calling the allegations “nonsense” and accusing crypto influencers of fabricating stories for clout.
The speculation was ignited by crypto commentator Liang Xi, who claimed during a livestream that CZ “works for the Fed” and was never truly imprisoned—an assertion that drew over 119,000 listeners.
In a post on X, CZ fired back:
“This is ridiculous,” he wrote. “This Chinese influencer says I worked for the Fed and I’ve never been to jail. How I wish this were true. There’s a saying among Chinese influencers: make up a story about Binance or CZ and get a lot of attention.”
The comments come as CZ continues to face scrutiny following his 2023 guilty plea in a U.S. anti-money laundering case. Despite stepping down as Binance CEO and serving a four-month prison sentence, conspiracy theories about his ties to global institutions continue to spread.
Wall Street Journal Report Adds Fuel to Fire
The backlash follows a separate April report from the Wall Street Journal that cited unnamed sources claiming Zhao had agreed to testify against Tron founder Justin Sun as part of his plea deal with U.S. prosecutors.
CZ dismissed the story, suggesting it was part of a coordinated smear campaign:
“They seem to forget who goes to jail and who doesn’t. People who are government witnesses don’t go to jail. They are protected. I heard someone paid WSJ staff to smear me.”
Ongoing Rumors Reflect Crypto’s Polarizing Nature
While CZ remains a polarizing figure in crypto, these claims reflect deeper tensions in the global digital asset space, where power, influence, and regulation frequently intersect with conspiracy narratives.
Despite the rumors, Binance remains one of the largest crypto exchanges globally, and CZ continues to command a massive following—both loyal and critical.
Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
