Crypto Kingpin Zhao Trades Jail for a Gilded Life in the UAE

Changpeng Zhao, the richest man in crypto with an estimated fortune of $114 billion, lives a gilded life in the United Arab Emirates. He resides in a nine-bedroom villa with four bodyguards, a chef, and a yacht named 'Da Moon.'

Zhao, also known as 'CZ,' was jailed in the U.S. for four months for Binance's anti-money laundering failures. He was later pardoned by President Trump, drawing widespread criticism as a quid pro quo.

Despite his past, Zhao moves through the world like a head of state. He flies private jets across Asia, advising governments on crypto regulation, and has formed business relationships with the UAE royal family and the Trump family.

One of his most influential allies is Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE ruler, who has shown keen interest in crypto. Zhao has even gone skiing with the Sheikh's son in Kyrgyzstan, where he received a gift of a Taigan dog.

As we drove through Abu Dhabi with Zhao, he discussed his views on democracy and efficiency, stating that a benevolent autocrat can achieve high efficiency with little debate.

Later that year, a missile was fired at the UAE from Iran, but Zhao was not concerned, saying 'it's heavily protected here.' He continued working from bed, a common practice due to his chronic pain.