Changpeng Zhao (CZ) Shares Details About Time in Prison

In a candid interview with Rug Radio, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) shared about his four-month prison sentence in the United States, describing the experience as "extremely difficult" and "terrifying." Despite the hardships he faced, CZ stated that this challenging process reshaped his outlook on life and drew attention to the values of health, family, and personal development. The cryptocurrency billionaire, who is currently serving time after legal troubles in the United States, described his early days in a low-security prison, saying he was surrounded by "huge, noisy inmates with tattoos," which created a deep sense of anxiety and fear. Because he is not a U.S. citizen, he was not allowed into a low-security facility and instead was placed in a harsher environment. Zhao said that although she initially felt anxious about her cellmate, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison for double murder, this friendship eventually blossomed into an unexpected bond. "We really get along well," CZ said. Despite being wealthy and famous, CZ said his status did not allow him to be treated specially behind bars. He mentioned that many of his fellow inmates treated him kindly and with respect, and he still keeps in touch with many of them. "They are very friendly," he said. He acknowledged that one of the most exhausting aspects is the mental strain, especially the uncertainty about whether his sentence would be extended without warning: "The fear is real. Many of my friends in prison have gone through this." When recalling the time in prison, CZ shared a new insight about priorities in life: "Health is the most important, followed by family, work, and other things." Zhao also criticized aspects of the U.S. justice system. "To be honest, long sentences don’t really help," he said. "After what I’ve seen in prison, that’s what people serving long sentences like 10 years are going through. They no longer think about rehabilitating themselves."