Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao denied a rumor that he had been “shot” by the US federal law enforcement agency, which was “widely disseminated” on a Chinese messaging platform, in a recent tweet.
In a March 4 tweet, CZ addressed false speculation circulating on Chinese messaging platform WeChat, claiming he was “shot” by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), using the opportunity to reiterate the close working relationship that exists. between Binance and the FBI.
Someone photoshopped this and it was widely shared on WeChat in China. He says that he shot me by the FBI, with whom our team works closely…♂️ 4. pic.twitter.com/2Iz7c1QgA8
— CZ Binance (@cz_binance) March 3, 2023
He wrote the number “4” at the bottom of the tweet, which refers to his January 3rd. cheep about simplifying their goals for 2023.
He listed the fourth goal as a reminder to ignore FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt), fake news, attacks, and other distractions.
The first 3 goals listed were to focus on education, compliance, as well as product and service.
Shortly after, CZ retweeted a tweet from a user asking him, “Brother Peng, did I hear that the FBI tricked you? If it’s true, he just nods and gives a hint. [translated].”
If you sold someone’s fake photoshopped image, then I feel sorry for you, but not really… https://t.co/pRfC2Jsqz5
— CZ Binance (@cz_binance) March 3, 2023
The user had circled text on a screenshot that read: “Zhao Changpeng was shot and killed by the FBI.” [translated].”
Related: Binance CEO Responds To Forbes Claims: “They Don’t Know How An Exchange Works”
Harry Denley, Metamask Security Analyst, compared the event to a false rumor spread about Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin in 2017 “dying in a car accident”.
Denley called the rumor about CZ the “2023 adaptation of attempted market manipulation” and suggested that CZ does a “proof of life” with the latest Binance Smart Chain (BSC) block hash.
It was previously announced in October 2022 that Binance.US has hired former FBI Special Agent BJ Kang to lead its investigative unit, with the goal of combating illegal activity on the platform.
Kang was once dubbed “the most feared man on Wall Street” by Reuters after he was photographed arresting Bernie Madoff, who was found guilty of running the largest Ponzi scheme to date.
In more recent news, CZ, along with Binance.US CEO Brian Shroder, received a letter on March 1 from three United States Senators, Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, and Roger Marshall, demanding more information on the finances. from Binance.
The senators claimed that the “little information” available regarding Binance’s financials suggests that the exchange is a “hotbed of illegal financial activity.”
