Senator Elizabeth Warren and fellow Democrats are pressing the Justice Department for clarity on whether Binance is adhering to its 2023 plea deal over sanctions and money-laundering violations.
Lawmakers Seek DOJ Clarification
Senator Elizabeth Warren, alongside Senators Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, has demanded answers from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding Binance’s compliance with its $4.3 billion settlement reached last year. The senators addressed a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, citing reports that the DOJ may be considering easing certain obligations imposed on the exchange.
The lawmakers asked the DOJ to confirm whether Binance is fully complying with its “ongoing requirements” under the agreement. They also sought details about any interactions between the crypto exchange and members of the Trump administration.
Background on the 2023 Settlement
In November 2023, Binance admitted to violating U.S. sanctions, failing to implement sufficient anti-money-laundering protections, and operating without proper licensing. The deal required the company to pay $4.3 billion in penalties, accept strict compliance oversight, and install monitors appointed by the Treasury and Justice Departments.
Founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao pleaded guilty to Bank Secrecy Act violations, stepped down as CEO, and served a short prison sentence as part of the plea arrangement. The settlement also mandated that Binance remain under the watch of independent compliance officers.
Reports surfaced this week, however, suggesting prosecutors are weighing whether to release Binance from the monitor requirement, which drew sharp criticism from Warren and her colleagues.
Lawmakers Question DOJ Response
The Democratic senators have been raising concerns since May, pressing the DOJ for details on Binance’s regulatory status, its potential exit from the U.S., and whether oversight obligations remain intact. Their latest letter underscores dissatisfaction with the DOJ’s earlier response.
According to the senators, the DOJ previously said that “Binance has paid all the penalties due to the Department” and “has ongoing requirements under the terms of its plea agreement.” But the agency did not “confirm whether or not Binance was, in fact, complying with these ‘ongoing requirements.’”
Blumenthal, Hirono, and Warren insist that this ambiguity demands clearer accountability from federal prosecutors. They set a deadline of October 1 for the DOJ to provide updated responses.
Questions of Political Influence
The senators also highlighted reports that Binance had engaged in discussions with U.S. officials about dropping its compliance monitor. Furthermore, they raised concerns about potential political interference, pointing to the family of President Donald Trump’s financial ties to Binance through their stake in World Liberty Financial.
They wrote,
“These reports make it more important than ever that the public understand the Trump administration’s interactions with, and relationship to, Binance and its employees.”
The lawmakers also demanded clarity on whether a presidential pardon is being considered for former CEO Zhao, who was compelled to resign as part of his guilty plea.
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Source: https://cryptodaily.co.uk/2025/09/sen-warren-presses-doj-on-binances-compliance-with-43b-settlement