Changpeng Zhao details life after prison in exclusive NYT report
The Binance founder lives in a nine-bedroom Abu Dhabi villa, drives a Nissan, and still holds majority ownership of the exchange
Most people leave prison and look for a fresh start. Changpeng Zhao went back to Abu Dhabi, a nine-bedroom villa, four bodyguards and a yacht named ‘Da Moon’.
A New York Times reporter spent time with the Binance founder, widely known as CZ, and documented what life looks like for him after his release. The short version: a guilty plea has not made him any less central to crypto.
Inside the post-prison routine
CZ served four months in prison for anti-money laundering violations. He was released in September 2024.
About a year later, in October 2025, President Trump pardoned him.
Today, CZ lives in Abu Dhabi in a villa with nine bedrooms. His household staff includes four bodyguards and a chef.
His net worth is estimated at $114 billion.
During a June 2026 reporting drive, he got behind the wheel of a white Nissan SUV, leaning into his self-image as a “normal dude.”
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His calendar also extends far beyond Abu Dhabi. CZ has traveled extensively across Asia by private jet, advising governments on how to build regulatory frameworks for crypto.
Beyond the government work, he takes part in a range of investment and educational initiatives.
Binance, the plea deal, and the Trump connection
CZ remains the majority shareholder of Binance, even though his plea agreement placed restrictions on him.
CZ is connected to a $2 billion USD transaction involving World Liberty Financial, the Trump family’s crypto venture, and UAE royalty.
How CZ got here
A guilty plea on anti-money laundering violations led to a four-month sentence, released in September 2024. The pardon followed in October 2025. By June 2026, CZ was giving a New York Times reporter a ride in a Nissan and talking about being ordinary.
What this means for Binance and crypto
A majority owner operating under plea restrictions is an unusual governance setup, and it invites scrutiny from regulators who may question how much influence he still exerts.
The World Liberty Financial connection is the thread most worth watching. A $2 billion USD deal touching the Trump family and UAE royalty keeps CZ close to centers of political power.
CZ remains wealthy, well connected, actively involved in shaping crypto policy, and the largest owner of Binance.