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On November 23, former head of the U.S. SEC Internet Enforcement Office, John Reed Stark, posted on social media that this Tuesday, after CZ pleaded guilty, U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian A. Tsuchida allowed CZ to return to the UAE before sentencing. However, the U.S. Department of Justice requested Judge Richard A. Jones to review this decision and ordered CZ to stay in the United States. According to the Department of Justice, the reasons for detaining CZ are:
- CZ is extremely wealthy, a billionaire.
- Most of CZ's wealth may be beyond the control of U.S. authorities.
- CZ resides in the UAE, which has no extradition treaty with the United States.
- Despite CZ voluntarily pleading guilty, as the likelihood of imprisonment increases, CZ is likely to choose not to come back to face judgment.
John Reed Stark stated that CZ's lawyers are expected to make a strong and positive response, listing all conceivable mitigating factors related to CZ's cooperation and defense, as well as testimony from CZ's family or equivalent material. Although district court judges usually do not overturn the decisions of magistrates, the outcome of this motion seems somewhat unpredictable. However, according to the terms of the current bond agreement, CZ can leave the United States because he has deposited $15 million in a trust account, signed a $175 million personal recognizance bond, and found a guarantor to provide additional funds. |
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