🎁 Exclusive offer: Get EXTRA Bits and Celebrate Bybit's 6th Birthday With $2.2M Prize Pool. Act Now!

FTX Lawsuit: $1.8 Billion Fraud Claim Targets Binance and Ex-CEO CZ Zhao

Key Takeaways

  • FTX estate seeks to reclaim $1.8 billion from Binance, alleging fraudulent transfers and market manipulation;
  • FTX claims Binance’s Zhao led a targeted campaign to destabilize FTX, including strategic FTT liquidations to weaken its position;
  • The lawsuit argues Binance’s acquisition discussions were misleading, preventing FTX from securing alternative funding solutions.
FTX Lawsuit: $1.8 Billion Fraud Claim Targets Binance and Ex-CEO CZ Zhao

The bankruptcy estate of FTX continues to press legal action against major cryptocurrency entities, aiming to reclaim billions lost during the platform’s decline.

The estate filed a suit against Binance $13.32B , alleging that the exchange and its former CEO, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, were involved in a deceptive transfer scheme that cost FTX over $1.76 billion.

According to the lawsuit filed on November 10, Binance and its top executives allegedly benefited from funds transferred in what FTX describes as a fraudulent transaction. This transaction originated in a repurchase agreement in July 2021 with FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who currently serves a 25-year sentence for his role in the company’s collapse.

What is an NFT? (Explained with Animations)

Did you know?

Want to get smarter & wealthier with crypto?

Subscribe - We publish new crypto explainer videos every week!

The deal saw Bankman-Fried buy back shares of FTX International (20%) and FTX US or West Realm Shires Services (18.4%). Bankman-Fried reportedly financed this stock repurchase using a mix of FTX Token FTT $3.22 , along with Binance’s BNB BNB $692.51 and Binance USD, collectively valued at $1.76 billion.

The complaint also accuses Zhao and Binance of taking deliberate actions to destabilize FTX. The lawsuit outlines a supposed campaign of “fear, uncertainty, and doubt” (FUD) that targeted FTX in the months following its collapse. This campaign included Binance’s public statements and large-scale liquidation of FTT tokens.

Additionally, a Bankman-Fried-associated investor testified before the US Senate, stating that Zhao and Bankman-Fried were “at war with each other”, with Zhao allegedly plotting to put FTX out of business. The estate claims that Zhao’s statements and actions were not merely coincidental or competitive maneuvers but rather part of a strategic plan to damage FTX while benefiting Binance.

The FTX estate’s legal campaign against Binance reflects its effort to recover funds it claims were wrongfully drained from FTX, alleging that Binance’s maneuvers were intended to damage its competitor and advance its market position.

In other news, the co-founder of Cardano, Charles Hoskinson, is speculated to potentially join Donald Trump’s political circle. Could this political connection influence ADA’s value? Read the full story.

Aaron S. Editor-In-Chief
Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.

Loading...
Bybit
×
Verified

$30,000 IN REWARDS

Bybit Black Friday Deal
5.0 Rating