Is the World Liberty Financial Project Connected to China?

Speculation around political influence in crypto is nothing new, but a recent $100 million investment has reignited old fears in a new way.

World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a DeFi project with alleged ties to former US President Donald Trump, received major funding from the UAE-based Aqua1 Foundation.

Soon after, rumors surfaced connecting Aqua1 to Web3Port, a controversial Chinese market-making firm banned by major exchanges.

Aqua1 has denied any such link, but questions remain. How did a relatively unknown foundation secure such a massive investment? Who is really behind it? And is this just business, or is something bigger happening in the background?

Let’s walk through the claims, the denials, and what this means for crypto investors and observers alike.

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Key Takeaways

1. Aqua1 denies all ties to Web3Port: The foundation insists it operates independently and is not connected to the banned Chinese firm.

2. Questions raised over WLFI investment: Critics cite shared infrastructure and past work history as reasons to doubt Aqua1’s story.

3. Political concerns are growing: With potential links to Trump and China, some fear crypto is becoming a new tool for influence.

What Is the World Liberty Financial Project and Who Is Behind It?

World Liberty Financial, or WLFI, is a DeFi platform that’s been catching attention due to its rumored connections with former President Donald Trump.

While details about the project itself remain limited, its narrative seems focused on “financial liberty” and decentralization, common crypto buzzwords that tend to attract politically aligned investors.

What brought WLFI into the spotlight, however, wasn’t its technology. It was a massive $100 million investment made by Aqua1 Foundation, a relatively new player in the DeFi space.

This funding round raised eyebrows not only because of its size but also because of Aqua1’s limited public track record.

Aqua1 is based in the UAE and claims to work closely with institutional partners across the Middle East.

According to co-founder Dave Lee, the foundation is part of a broader effort to build DeFi infrastructure in the region.

Lee, who previously worked with Web3Port and Blockrock, says Aqua1 is a fresh start, formed after leaving his past roles due to conflicting visions.

That would be fine, if not for the fact that Web3Port is now banned from several exchanges for shady trading activity. And that’s where the questions begin.

Read Also: Who are the People Behind World Liberty Financial? Looking at the Team

The Web3Port Controversy and Why It Matters

Web3Port, a Chinese market-making firm, came under fire after being involved in the dramatic dump of Movement Labs’ MOVE token. The fallout was serious. Exchanges like Binance banned the firm outright due to suspected market manipulation.

This scandal alone made Web3Port a name to avoid. But now, thanks to an investigation by journalist David Silverman, Aqua1 finds itself caught in the crosshairs.

Silverman published a report suggesting that Aqua1 may still have connections to Web3Port, despite its public statements.

One piece of evidence was shared AWS (Amazon Web Services) infrastructure between Aqua1’s website and domains tied to Web3Port and Blockrock.

While that might sound technical, it raises real concerns about shared back-end operations or undisclosed affiliations.

Another key detail is Dave Lee’s past. The report points out that “Dave Lee” might actually be David Jia Hua Li, a Chinese-Brazilian individual previously connected to a state-owned energy firm.

If true, it raises questions about how Aqua1 secured $100 million in capital and whether there are deeper political or geopolitical motives at play.

Read Also: World Liberty Financial Governance Voting: Why You Should Join

Aqua1 Responds to Allegations but Doubts Remain

In response to the growing speculation, Aqua1 issued a public statement on July 15 clarifying that it has no financial, operational, or equity ties to Web3Port.

The foundation emphasized its independence and its mission to build compliant DeFi infrastructure in the Middle East.

Dave Lee also reiterated his departure from previous firms and stated that ongoing regulatory processes limit what the team can disclose right now.

He assured stakeholders that Aqua1 is working with vetted partners and that the WLFI investment was based on merit.

However, critics like Silverman argue that the denials are too vague. They want more transparency, especially in light of the technical evidence and Lee’s professional history.

When large sums of money move through opaque structures in politically sensitive projects, it’s natural for questions to multiply.

Former US Congressman Tom Malinowski also chimed in, sarcastically suggesting that “foreign interests” might be using crypto investments to influence American politics.

Whether said in jest or not, the quote reflects a growing anxiety: crypto is no longer just about tech and finance. It’s about influence.

Read Also: US Economy Surplus Sparks Crypto Momentum: How WLFI and USD1 Fit Into the Bigger Picture

Why This Story Matters for Crypto Investors

This story touches on a larger issue in the crypto world: the lack of transparency. It is still difficult to verify who is behind many of the largest investments, wallets, or institutions. This creates space for both speculation and legitimate concern.

Here’s why you should care:

Geopolitical risk is real

Large investments in politically affiliated projects can be used to influence public sentiment or policy indirectly.

Lack of transparency undermines trust

Without clear disclosures, even good projects can appear suspicious. This affects market sentiment and investor confidence.

Reputation is fragile in crypto

One report or leaked document can tank a token’s value overnight. Justified or not, perception matters as much as performance.

For crypto projects, clear ownership, ethical partnerships, and transparent funding sources are no longer optional. For investors, asking tough questions is a form of protection.

Read Also: What is USD1 from World Liberty Financial?

Conclusion

The Aqua1 and World Liberty Financial story is far from over, and the truth may be more complex than we know right now.

But one thing is clear: crypto is entering a phase where transparency, identity, and politics matter more than ever.

As more institutions and governments watch the space closely, every investment, every alliance, and every anonymous founder will face greater scrutiny. And that’s not a bad thing. Trust needs sunlight to grow.

If you’re exploring crypto investments or projects, make sure you’re using tools and platforms that prioritize transparency and security.

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Whether you’re trading, staking, or holding long term, Bitrue offers a safe and seamless experience for navigating today’s fast-moving crypto world.

FAQ

What is World Liberty Financial (WLFI)?

WLFI is a decentralized finance (DeFi) project that has gained attention due to its reported ties to political figures and recent investment activity.

Is Aqua1 Foundation connected to Web3Port?

Aqua1 denies any operational or financial ties to Web3Port, although some reports suggest possible past connections through shared infrastructure.

Who is Dave Lee and why is he important in this story?

Dave Lee is the co-founder of Aqua1. Some believe he may also be known as David Jia Hua Li, a figure with ties to Chinese state-backed firms. His identity is central to the controversy.

Why does this matter for crypto investors?

Large, unverified investments and unclear project backgrounds can pose reputational and financial risks. Investors should always research thoroughly.

Could this be an example of political influence through crypto?

Some observers believe it could be. As crypto becomes more mainstream, it also becomes more appealing for soft influence operations. That’s why transparency is essential.

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