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WLFI World Liberty Financial received US$100 million through Aqua1, Bobby Zhou is still linked to an active money laundering investigation in the UK
Authorities have not yet filed charges against Zhou, and the source of funding for Aqua1 remains unclear.
World Liberty Financial received US$100 million through a large WLFI token purchase from Aqua1. According to the New York Times, the fund is linked to businessman Guren "Bobby" Zhou. British authorities arrested Zhou in 2021 on suspicion of money laundering. However, authorities have not yet filed charges against him, and the investigation was still ongoing as of the end of July.
World Liberty Financial deal raises questions about Aqua1 's funding sources
Aqua1 purchased US$100 million worth of WLFI tokens in June 2025, making it one of World Liberty Financial's largest known token buyers. The New York Times pointed out that Zhou is the businessman behind Aqua 1. Court records reviewed by the newspaper showed Zhou was linked to a suspected money laundering activity dating back to 2019.
Two long-term employees later faced charges in the case. Another defendant has pleaded guilty, and the trial of the accused is scheduled for 2028. The source of Aqua 1 's $100 million investment remains unclear. World Liberty Financial stated that it complied with applicable laws and regulations during the trading process. The company also said its compliance program meets or exceeds industry standards. However, its spokesman did not disclose whether the company knew Zhou's funding source.
World Liberty Financial investment traces back to Web3Port
Zhou previously led cryptocurrency venture fund Web3Port, which announced a $10 million investment in World Liberty Financial. The British Virgin Islands entity was later renamed Aqua1GP Limited. Two weeks later, Aqua 1 announced a larger $100 million purchase plan. The blockchain analysis cited by the newspaper linked different wallets to the two transactions.
A wallet controlled by the Web3 Port reportedly purchased $20 million worth of WLFI tokens in January 2025. Another wallet that may be related to Aqua 1 was purchased for $80 million in June. Aqua1 previously denied having a connection with the Web3Port, but did not specify which report details it denied. The New York Times also reported that up to $75 million of the purchase flowed into a Trump company. World Liberty Financial's token structure stipulates that 75% of some sales proceeds will go to DT Marks DEFI LLC.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Trump had no conflict of interest. Responding to a request for comment from The New York Times this weekend.
