World Liberty Monetary 
WLFIUSD is dealing with recent questions. The latest investigation linked the businessman behind a $100 million buy of its WLFI tokens to a UK money-laundering investigation.
Guren “Bobby” Zhou, who was recognized because the individual behind UAE-based funding fund Aqua 1, was arrested in Britain in 2021 on suspicion of cash laundering. He has not been charged. Nevertheless, British authorities informed The New York Instances (NYT) that the investigation was nonetheless lively as of late July 2026.
The $100 million funding was made by means of Aqua 1, which turned one in every of World Liberty’s largest identified token consumers.
The place Did the Money Come From?
The most important unanswered query is the supply of the $100 million used to purchase WLFI.
- The New York Instances reviewed court docket information, confidential paperwork and spoke with individuals linked to Zhou.
- Zhou beforehand ran a UK flooring enterprise that entered restructuring whereas owing about $5 million to his father’s firm.
- He later turned concerned in Caduceus, a crypto mission whose token ultimately misplaced most of its worth.
- Caduceus claimed backing from China Retailers Securities UK and Bin Zayed Group. Each organizations later mentioned these allegations have been unauthorized and false.
Aqua 1 and Web3Port Connection
Zhou later moved to Abu Dhabi and have become concerned with crypto funding agency Web3Port.
The connection between Web3Port and Aqua 1 has additionally attracted consideration. Web3Port introduced a $10 million World Liberty funding shortly after Donald Trump’s January 2025 inauguration.
In accordance to blockchain evaluation cited by the NYT, a pockets managed by Web3Port purchased $20 million price of WLFI in January 2025. One other pockets believed to be managed by Aqua 1 bought a further $80 million in June.
A Web3Port entity registered within the British Virgin Islands later modified its identify to Aqua 1 GP Restricted. This added to questions in regards to the relationship between the 2 operations.
Aqua 1 had beforehand denied being linked to Web3Port.
Trump Household Connection
The transaction has added scrutiny as a result of World Liberty has a monetary relationship with firms managed by the Trump household.
- Studies say up to $75 million from the acquisition went to a Trump-controlled firm.
- Trump’s newest disclosure listed $65.6 million from WLF Holdco fairness gross sales and $236.25 million in World Liberty token-sale proceeds.
What Subsequent?
WLFI spokesperson David Wachsman mentioned the corporate adopted all relevant legal guidelines. He added that they maintained a compliance program that meets or exceeds trade requirements. He didn’t disclose whether or not the corporate knew the supply of Zhou’s funds.
The White Home mentioned Trump had no conflicts of curiosity, whereas Zhou didn’t reply to the report.
Importantly, Zhou has not been charged. With the UK investigation reportedly nonetheless lively, questions round Zhou, Aqua 1 and the circulate of the $100 million are possible to stay beneath scrutiny.
Following the report, WLFI gained 2.74% to commerce at $0.0529. In the meantime, its 24-hour buying and selling quantity jumped 57.02%, showcasing elevated market exercise.
