Trump-Linked World Liberty Faces $100 Million Laundering Probe
What happened: The New York Times reported that World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a Trump-affiliated crypto venture, received $100 million from Aqua 1 Foundation, controlled by Guren “Bobby” Zhou—a busi
What happened: The New York Times reported that World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a Trump-affiliated crypto venture, received $100 million from Aqua 1 Foundation, controlled by Guren “Bobby” Zhou—a businessman under ongoing UK money-laundering investigation. Zhou, arrested in Britain in 2021 but not charged, allegedly funneled the funds through a series of opaque entities. Court records and prior reporting raise questions about the legitimacy of Aqua 1 Foundation and the due diligence conducted by World Liberty. 75% of WLFI token-sale proceeds reportedly flow to a Trump-controlled entity.
Why it matters: The case highlights persistent due diligence challenges in crypto fundraising, particularly when large sums are involved and regulatory scrutiny is mounting. While Zhou has not been charged, the ongoing investigation and Aqua 1’s questionable provenance raise red flags for investors and regulators. The political connections of World Liberty add further complexity, underscoring the need for greater transparency in high-profile crypto deals.
Source: The Block