World Liberty Financial (WLFI) is facing fresh questions. The recent investigation linked the businessman behind a $100 million purchase of its WLFI tokens to a UK money-laundering investigation.
Guren “Bobby” Zhou, who was identified as the person behind UAE-based investment fund Aqua 1, was arrested in Britain in 2021 on suspicion of money laundering. He has not been charged. However, British authorities told The New York Times (NYT) that the investigation was still active as of late July 2026.
The $100 million investment was made through Aqua 1, which became one of World Liberty’s largest known token buyers.
Where Did the Money Come From?
The biggest unanswered question is the source of the $100 million used to buy WLFI.
- The New York Times reviewed court records, confidential documents and spoke with people connected to Zhou.
- Zhou previously ran a UK flooring business that entered restructuring while owing about $5 million to his father’s company.
- He later became involved in Caduceus, a crypto project whose token eventually lost most of its value.
- Caduceus claimed backing from China Merchants Securities UK and Bin Zayed Group. Both organizations later said those allegations were unauthorized and false.
Aqua 1 and Web3Port Connection
Zhou later moved to Abu Dhabi and became involved with crypto investment firm Web3Port.
The connection between Web3Port and Aqua 1 has also attracted attention. Web3Port announced a $10 million World Liberty investment shortly after Donald Trump’s January 2025 inauguration.
According to blockchain analysis cited by the NYT, a wallet controlled by Web3Port bought $20 million worth of WLFI in January 2025. Another wallet believed to be controlled by Aqua 1 purchased an additional $80 million in June.
A Web3Port entity registered in the British Virgin Islands later changed its name to Aqua 1 GP Limited. This added to questions about the relationship between the two operations.
Aqua 1 had previously denied being connected to Web3Port.
Trump Family Connection
The transaction has added scrutiny because World Liberty has a financial relationship with companies controlled by the Trump family.
- Reports say up to $75 million from the purchase went to a Trump-controlled company.
- Trump’s latest disclosure listed $65.6 million from WLF Holdco equity sales and $236.25 million in World Liberty token-sale proceeds.
What Next?
WLFI spokesperson David Wachsman said the company followed all applicable laws. He added that they maintained a compliance program that meets or exceeds industry standards. He did not disclose whether the company knew the source of Zhou’s funds.
The White House said Trump had no conflicts of interest, while Zhou did not respond to the report.
Importantly, Zhou has not been charged. With the UK investigation reportedly still active, questions around Zhou, Aqua 1 and the flow of the $100 million are likely to remain under scrutiny.
Following the report, WLFI gained 2.74% to trade at $0.0529. Meanwhile, its 24-hour trading volume jumped 57.02%, showcasing increased market activity.
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