Following pressure from U.S. prosecutors handling the case, former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (known as CZ) is barred from leaving the U.S. until his sentencing date, scheduled for February 2024.

Judge Richard Jones, of the Western District of Washington, agreed with the Department of Justice by approving the motion requested by the Prosecutor's Office on December 7. It obliges the defendant to remain in the country for the period between his conviction and sentencing.

Zhao, who pleaded guilty last November to running an unlicensed money transfer business, flouting anti-money laundering rules and misleading investors, had agreed to pay a personal reconnaissance bond of USD $175 million.

The agreement also provided for finding guarantors to provide additional funds and allowed him to leave the country. He was scheduled to return to the U.S. for two weeks before he was to be sentenced.

However, days later, prosecutors asked the judge to vacate the bail. They argue that he is a flight risk and should not be allowed to leave the U.S. to return to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where Zhao resides with his partner and three young children.

In this regard, the defense lawyers of the former Binance CEO argued that forcing him to remain in the United States is a burden on his family, which cannot travel to this country to accompany him.

They further cite a variety of reasons that eliminate risk, including the fact that Zhao has taken full responsibility for his actions. They add that he has demonstrated his interest in complying with the law through his decision to travel to the United States to turn himself in and plead guilty, being also a prominent public figure worldwide.