Summary: Binance is again under fire in France over an investigation that implicates alleged tax fraud, money laundering, and even drug trafficking. The French prosecutors do not mince words, and this is the second probe against Binance after the two years ago investigation into illicit financing.
Binance is in hot water again as the French launch yet another investigation into the crypto exchange giant. Prosecutors have opened a formal probe into some pretty serious allegations: tax fraud, money laundering, and even drug trafficking. Although details about it are still scanty, this apparently serves as a sequel to France’s investigation done 2 years ago into the participation of Binance in shady financial dealings.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Spotting the Scam: Fake Celebrity Memecoins on the Rise
Crypto had a tough past 2 years with the meltdown of FTX, which called for scrutiny across the world. Exchanges like Binance and Coinbase entered into the radar of regulators, and lawsuits were flying from all directions. Most prominently, Binance found itself under intense legal heat from the US Department of Justice and the SEC, right up to the historic $4.3 billion settlement with the DOJ.
The company has been in overhaul mode since. Founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) stepped down as CEO, handed the reins to Richard Teng, and even served prison time before his release in late last year. Despite all this, the SEC isn’t backing down. Now, France is doubling down too.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Nvidia Tanks, Bitcoin Still Banks: Analysts Stay Bullish Amid $600B Stock Wipeout
With Binance still the largest centralized exchange out there, the stakes couldn’t be any higher: will they weather the storm or is this the beginning of the end?