Brazilian Congressional Committee Recommends Charges Against Binance CEO and Executives
A congressional committee in Brazil is recommending that charges be brought against Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao and three other Binance executives. The committee accuses them of fraudulent management, offering unregistered securities, and running a financial institution without authorization. According to a 500-page report released by the committee, the executives created an opaque network of legal entities to evade compliance with the law.
Investigations into Tax Compliance, Money Laundering, and Terrorism Financing
The congressional committee also recommends that the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office investigate Binance’s local unit for tax compliance, money laundering, and terrorism financing. Additionally, the committee calls for an investigation into Binance Capital Management. The exchange’s derivatives products are also under scrutiny, with legislators urging the Brazilian securities regulator to examine their sales, claiming they violated securities market laws.
Indictments for Other Individuals Involved in Criminal Schemes
The report further recommends indicting 45 other individuals who were involved in criminal schemes. Some of these individuals are associated with crypto firms, including 18K Ronaldinho, which was banned in Brazil for promoting scams.
Binance Brazil Already Under Probe
Binance Brazil is already facing another regulatory probe. In August, the securities regulator rejected a settlement offer proposed by local Binance executives. Congressman Alfredo Gaspar had previously accused Binance of using pyramid schemes for asset transfers in Brazil and called for an investigation into the exchange’s operations.
Regulatory Probes and Lawsuits
Binance is facing regulatory probes in multiple countries, including the US, and is also dealing with lawsuits from securities and commodities regulators. In July, Australian financial market regulators searched Binance’s offices in relation to its halted local derivatives operations.
Hot Take: Binance Faces Mounting Legal Challenges
Binance, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, is facing mounting legal challenges in Brazil and other countries. The Brazilian congressional committee’s recommendation to bring charges against Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao and other executives adds to the exchange’s woes. With investigations into fraudulent management, unregistered securities, and unauthorized financial activities, Binance is under intense scrutiny. Moreover, the call for probes into tax compliance, money laundering, and terrorism financing further compounds the exchange’s legal troubles. These developments highlight the growing regulatory pressure on Binance and the wider cryptocurrency industry as governments seek to protect investors and crack down on illegal activities.
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