Speculation Hints at Former Huobi Founder Leon Li Lin in Rumored $10 Billion Divorce

A recent social media post has ignited widespread curiosity, spotlighting a former top crypto exchange owner embroiled in a divorce that could see over $10 billion in assets divided.

While the post refrains from naming the individual specifically, online discussions and a forceful response from Justin Sun have coalesced around Leon Li Lin, the founder of Huobi crypto exchange, as the central figure in this unfolding financial saga. With a fortune encompassing cryptocurrency, real estate, and investment equity at stake, the story has garnered the attention crypto enthusiasts and hints at a contentious legal showdown in the future.

The cryptic post describes a “former top exchange owner” whose divorce involves splitting assets exceeding $10 billion, and has a mention of “Brother Sun”—a clear reference to Justin Sun, the TRON founder and Huobi advisor—alongside an enigmatic “Big Cousin,” which has fueled speculation about the players involved. Speculation pushes the case for Leon Li Lin, founder of Huobi which is one of the earliest and most influential crypto exchanges.

Li Lin founded the platform in 2013, steering it to global prominence before selling his majority stake in 2022 to About Capital Management for a reported $1 billion. His wealth, potentially amplified by years of crypto accumulation, could credibly approach the staggering figure cited in the divorce.

Justin Sun’s Bold Intervention

The narrative took a dramatic turn when Justin Sun posted a stern statement in reaponse, signaling his direct involvement.

Translated, Sun outlined two resolute positions: his team will staunchly defend one party’s legal rights and expects prompt communication, and any assets in the split tied to his side’s legitimate property must be returned immediately, with financial records submitted to his team without delay. He further declared that his group would pursue a civil lawsuit in Hong Kong’s High Court to compel transparency over these accounts. This intervention underscores a tangled business connection, likely rooted in Sun’s role at Huobi following Li Lin’s exit, where he assumed an advisory position and is believed to wield significant influence.

Li Lin’s journey with Huobi aligns seamlessly with the “former” descriptor. Under his leadership, the exchange thrived in crypto’s formative years, only to face mounting regulatory pressures in China that culminated in his 2022 departure. The $10 billion asset pool, while extraordinary, is plausible for a pioneer who rode the crypto wave at its peak, with holdings potentially spanning digital currencies, real estate, and private investments.

Sun’s assertive stance suggests that some of these assets may intersect with his own interests, possibly tied to Huobi’s operations or related ventures post-sale. His threat of legal action in Hong Kong, a jurisdiction known for handling high-stakes financial disputes, elevates the prospect of a public reckoning.

While the “Big Cousin” references remain ambiguous, possibly alluding to another prominent crypto figure, the focus remains squarely on Li Lin and Sun. The divorce’s scale and Sun’s reaction distinguish this from other industry heavyweights. Binance’s Changpeng Zhao, for instance, retains a substantial stake despite stepping down as CEO, with no divorce rumors in sight. The financial and legal stakes here are unique, painting a picture of a billionaire’s unraveling empire clashing with a powerful ally’s resolve.