Guren “Bobby” Zhou, the businessman behind a $100 million token purchase in World Liberty Financial via UAE-based fund Aqua 1, was arrested in Britain in 2021 on suspicion of money laundering.
While Zhou has not been formally charged, British authorities confirmed the money laundering investigation remains active, with a related trial for charged co-defendants scheduled for 2028. Court records and investigations also revealed a history of failed ventures, including Caduceus, a crypto project whose token collapsed after spending $7.6 million, and disputed claims regarding prominent institutional backers.
Blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence tied the $100 million capital injection to wallets linked to Web3Port and Aqua 1 GP Limited, both associated with Zhou. The precise origin of the $100 million remains unclear. Under World Liberty’s revenue-sharing agreements, up to 75% of net token sale proceeds, approximately $75 million from this transaction alone, flowed to DT Marks DEFI LLC, an entity controlled by Donald Trump and his family.
World Liberty spokesperson David Wachsman stated that the firm maintains a rigorous compliance program that meets or exceeds industry standards and adheres to all applicable regulations. White House representatives also maintained that no conflict of interest exists, while Zhou did not respond to requests for comment.
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