U.S. prosecutors are searching for an above-guidance sentence of 36 months for the previous CEO of cryptocurrency alternate Binance on prices of enabling cash laundering, in line with a sentencing memorandum out late Tuesday.

The memorandum, which was filed with the court docket for the western district of Washington, states that Zhao ought to serve a better sentence that steered underneath advisory pointers to “replicate the gravity of his crimes.”

Beneath advisory pointers, Zhao’s sentencing would are available in at a variety of 12 to 18 months in jail.

“A custodial sentence of 36 months—twice the excessive finish of the Tips vary—would replicate the seriousness of the offense, promote respect for regulation, afford sufficient deterrence, and be adequate however not higher than obligatory to attain the targets of sentencing,” U.S. prosecutors stated.

Zhao is accused of wilfully failing to implement an efficient anti-money laundering program as required by the Financial institution Secrecy Act, and of successfully permitting Binance to course of transactions involving proceeds of illegal exercise, together with transactions between People and people in sanctions jurisdictions.

Binance has individually been sued by the U.S. Securities and Alternate Fee and the Commodity Futures Buying and selling Fee over the alleged mishandling of buyer property and the operation of an unlawful, unregistered alternate within the U.S.

The U.S., which individually accuses Binance and Zhao of violating the U.S. Financial institution Secrecy Act and sanctions on Iran, ordered Binance to pay $4.3 billion in fines and forfeiture. Zhao agreed to pay a $50 million effective.

Zhao stepped down as Binance’s CEO in November final 12 months after reaching this plea and was changed by the previous Abu Dhabi markets regulator’s chief, Richard Teng.

Zhao was not instantly out there for remark when contacted by way of social media platform X. Binance has but to return a request for remark when contacted by CNBC.

Prosecutors say that Zhao violated U.S. regulation on an “unprecedented scale,” and that he had a “deliberate disregard” for Binance’s authorized tasks.

Within the memorandum of Tuesday, prosecutors stated that, underneath Zhao’s management, Binance operated on a “Wild West” mannequin.

“Zhao guess that he wouldn’t get caught, and that if he did, the results wouldn’t be as critical because the crime,” the memorandum acknowledged.

“However Zhao was caught, and now the Court docket will resolve what value Zhao ought to pay for his crimes.”

Zhao’s official sentencing is anticipated to happen on April 30.