Zhao received offers to sell his controlling stake in the exchange, which makes up a significant part of his wealth. According to Bloomberg, thanks to Trump’s victory, his net worth increased by $12 billion, placing him at 25th in the billionaire rankings. However, Zhao did not disclose details of these offers, noting only that he is open to considering them in the future.
Reflecting on his time in prison, Zhao shared that initially few recognized him, but soon rumors spread that he was a “big fan of Bitcoin” and “not a poor man.” After that, people began to ask him for investment advice, including some of the guards.
His daily routine in prison included workouts, writing books, and what he described as “terrible” prison food.
Zhao formed a friendship with a fellow inmate who was well-versed in crypto and blockchain and was serving a 25-year sentence for bank robbery. Zhao even tried to help him connect with pro bono lawyers, hoping this might reduce his prison term.
CZ is critical of comparisons between his case and that of Sam Bankman-Fried, who is also incarcerated. Zhao views Sam as a thief, whereas he sees himself as guilty only of failing to register Binance properly.
Zhao does not wish to return as Binance CEO and does not participate in the company’s management decisions, although the leadership occasionally seeks his advice (through his wife Yi He). Zhao’s current focus is on investments in artificial intelligence and biotechnology, along with his new project, Giggle Academy.
