World Liberty Faces Scrutiny Over $100 Million Investment Sources

Major Investment by Aqua 1 Under Investigation in Connection with UK Money Laundering Probe

WLFI (World Liberty Financial) is facing scrutiny over a $100 million (approximately ¥15.93 billion) token purchase by Aqua 1.

The relationship between entrepreneur Glenn "Bobby" Chow, who is behind Aqua 1, and the UK money laundering investigation, as well as the source of the investment funds, are under focus.

Attention on Relationship with Web3Port and Past Business History

Chow was arrested in 2021 by UK authorities on suspicion of money laundering, but has not been charged to date. UK authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing as of late July 2026.

Chow previously operated a flooring retail business in the UK, which entered into corporate rehabilitation and was burdened with approximately $5 million (about ¥800 million) in debts to his father's company. He later became involved in the cryptocurrency project Caduceus, raising about $7.6 million (approximately ¥1.2 billion), but the tokens ultimately lost most of their value.

Caduceus claimed to have support from China Merchants Securities (UK) and Bin Zayed Group, but both companies later denied this. Chow subsequently moved to Abu Dhabi and became involved with the cryptocurrency investment company Web3Port.

The wallet managed by Web3Port purchased $20 million (approximately ¥3.18 billion) worth of WLFI in January 2025, while another wallet believed to be managed by Aqua 1 purchased $80 million (approximately ¥12.74 billion) worth in June of the same year. Additionally, a company in the British Virgin Islands associated with Web3Port later changed its name to Aqua 1 GP Limited.

However, Aqua 1 has denied any relationship with Web3Port.

Questions Remain Over $100 Million Funding Source and Compliance Verification

The focus of the investigation is the source of the funds used for Aqua 1's $100 million WLFI purchase. WLFI claims to maintain a compliance program that adheres to applicable laws and regulations, meeting or exceeding industry standards.

On the other hand, spokesperson David Wachsman has not clarified whether WLFI was aware of the source of Aqua 1's investment funds.

Patrick Prinz, COO of digital asset research firm Recoveris, has suggested that Chow's past business failures, sudden influx of large funds, transaction scale, and connections to the UK money laundering investigation could warrant the submission of documentation regarding the funding sources.

Moreover, based on WLFI's revenue distribution structure, it has been reported that up to $75 million of the purchase amount by Aqua 1 went to companies controlled by Donald Trump. The White House has stated that there is no conflict of interest for Trump.

Chow has not faced criminal prosecution to date, and no direct link has been established between Chow's past activities and the $100 million transaction. However, the lack of clarity regarding the funding source raises questions about due diligence and compliance verification at the time of the transaction.

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