- World Liberty Financial received $100 million through Aqua 1.
- Bobby Zhou remains linked to an active British money laundering investigation.
- Authorities have not charged Zhou, while the source of Aqua 1 funds remains unclear.
World Liberty Financial received $100 million from Aqua 1 through a major WLFI token purchase. The fund is linked to businessman Guren “Bobby” Zhou, The New York Times reported. British authorities arrested Zhou in 2021 on suspicion of money laundering. However, authorities have not charged him, and the investigation remained active in late July.
World Liberty Financial Deal Raises Questions Over Aqua 1 Funds
Aqua 1 bought $100 million of WLFI tokens in June 2025. The purchase made it one of World Liberty Financial’s largest known token buyers.
The New York Times identified Zhou as the businessman behind Aqua 1. Court records reviewed by the Times reportedly connect Zhou to an alleged money laundering operation dating to 2019.
Two longtime employees later faced charges in the case. Another defendant pleaded guilty, while the trial for charged defendants is scheduled for 2028.
The source of Aqua 1’s $100 million investment remains unclear. World Liberty Financial said it followed applicable laws and regulations during the transaction.
The company also said its compliance program meets or exceeds industry standards. However, its spokesperson did not disclose whether the company knew where Zhou’s funds originated.
World Liberty Financial Investment Traces Back to Web3Port
Zhou previously led Web3Port, a crypto venture fund that announced a $10 million investment in World Liberty Financial. A related British Virgin Islands entity later changed its name to Aqua 1 GP Limited.
Two weeks later, Aqua 1 announced the larger $100 million purchase. Blockchain analysis cited by the Times connected separate wallets to both transactions.
One Web3Port-controlled wallet reportedly bought $20 million in WLFI tokens during January 2025. Another wallet likely linked to Aqua 1 purchased $80 million in June.
Aqua 1 previously denied links with Web3Port but did not identify which reported details it disputed.
The Times also reported that up to $75 million from the purchase flowed to a Trump-controlled company. World Liberty Financial’s token structure reportedly directs 75% of certain sale proceeds to DT Marks DEFI LLC.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Trump had no conflicts of interest. Zhou did not respond to the Times requests for comment.\
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. CoinCryptoNewz is not responsible for any losses incurred. Readers should do their own research before making financial decisions.
