I recently stumbled upon a rather intriguing article that claimed CZ, the enigmatic CEO of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, had "turned up virtually" at the end of BINANCE Blockchain Week. This revelation piqued my curiosity, sending me on a quest to uncover the true whereabouts of this elusive crypto kingpin.
As I delved deeper into my investigation, I discovered that CZ, known for his globe-trotting lifestyle, had been dividing his time between Dubai and various other global cities, including hubs in Southeast Asia. However, one notable exception stood out – France.
According to reports, CZ would have been deliberately avoiding French soil ever since an investigation into Binance's operations was launched by French authorities. This probe came hot on the heels of a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), accusing Binance and CZ of misleading investors and diverting customer funds.
While the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates, where Binance maintains a significant presence, do not have an extradition treaty, France and the UAE have had a formal agreement in place since 2007. This agreement could potentially pose a threat to CZ's freedom of movement, especially considering Dubai's recent crackdown on extradition non-compliance following a downgrade from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) last year.
In response to these concerns, a Binance spokesperson offered a rebuttal, stating that CZ owns a home in France that he frequently utilizes and that he continues to travel for business purposes. The exchange further emphasized its commitment to adhering to all applicable laws in France and every other jurisdiction in which it operates.
Despite Binance's assurances, the question of CZ's whereabouts remains shrouded in mystery. His nomadic lifestyle and the ongoing investigations into his company's activities have undoubtedly cast a shadow over his movements. Only time will tell whether CZ will continue to evade French authorities or if he will eventually face the music in the land of croissants and haute couture.
