Crypto leaders face 272 years in prison as legal scrutiny intensifies

Changpeng Zhao, co-founder of Binance, was released after serving four months for failing to implement anti-money laundering measures. His case reflects a broader trend of increased legal action against crypto-related crimes, with authorities issuing 272 years of prison time to industry leaders. Notable figures include Ross Ulbricht, founder of Silk Road, serving a double life sentence plus 40 years for serious charges. Sam Bankman-Fried received 25 years for fraud linked to the FTX collapse, while other prominent individuals face significant sentences for various offenses. From 2019 to 2024, crypto-related convictions rose by 267%, with 63% occurring in the last three years. The U.S. has led this crackdown, imposing strict penalties and shaping global enforcement standards in the crypto industry.